rydea delivery services company that provides businesses with the technology, people and vehicles to develop integrated logistics solutions, has announced a pilot program with Port, a pioneering e-mobility startup offering the industry’s first, end-to-end e-mobility solution to the last-mile delivery industry.
Harbor offers fleets of light electric vehicles locked and recharged in dedicated ports installed in hubs in inner-city parking lots. The vehicles are offered with a simple subscription in a full e-mobility package that includes parking, charging, maintenance and software. The wide range of electric vehicles, including bicycles, mopeds, cargo bikes and scooters, can travel up to 100 km on a single charge. They are easily accessible for drivers, who can simply unlock an electric vehicle in the app, use it for deliveries, and bring it back to the hub when work is done.
For the duration of the pilot, Ryde has leased all EVs from the Port Hub at the Q-Park Leicester Square car park in London. Using Port’s software platform, Ryde will grant free access to these vehicles to a select group of Ryde Couriers. The hub’s convenient location makes it easily accessible by public transport, including the underground, buses and trains terminating at nearby Charing Cross station. This allows couriers living in Greater London to get jobs in the busy West End without having to bring their own vehicle. The pilot program is open to a limited group of couriers selected for their productivity and performance.
“As we build a same-day delivery business that is people and planet friendly, we work with an unwavering commitment to support our drivers, as their higher level of engagement translates into better overall end customer experiences. We are excited to partner with Port as it offers the industry’s first end-to-end e-mobility solution, helping us reduce carbon footprint, improve courier convenience and increase overall efficiency. As a rider-first business, equipping our riders with efficient electric vehicles is another step to further strengthen our leading offering for businesses, riders and city residents,” the statement said Duncan MitchellCo-founder and CEO of Ryde.
“Our mission is to improve the last-mile logistics and delivery sector to achieve net-zero emissions and realize the full benefits of light-duty electric vehicles. We believe that by leveraging existing parking infrastructure and offloading the burden of fleet management and vehicle maintenance, we can add significant value to the overall last mile ecosystem. This includes not only the delivery companies and couriers, but above all the residents and communities in the cities. We are excited to be working with Ryde to help them lead the change in the industry,” says Kamil SudaFounder and CEO of Port.
Ryde co-founders Duncan Mitchell and Tom Nimmo, both veterans in gig economy technology, founded Ryde with a mission to improve the working lives of delivery drivers and delivery drivers. Following the delivery boom fueled by the pandemic, Mitchell and Nimmo saw an opportunity to make measurable improvements for drivers through partnerships, support and superior technology to streamline work. Their unique shift-based approach to on-demand delivery helps their customers reduce costs and improve overall productivity. Drivers also reap the benefits of shift work, with greater job security and better pay than traditional on-demand jobs.
The Dark Hub at Q-Park Leicester Square follows two years of research and development and successful trials by Port. At the heart of the system is dedicated fleet management software and the world’s first patented universal docking station that can lock and charge any small electric vehicle. The wide range of electric vehicles covers all last-mile logistics needs, including food, parcel and grocery delivery. Port is taking first steps to expand across Europe, with hubs opening in new cities in the coming weeks.
About port
Port is a pioneering e-mobility startup reinventing delivery service with full e-mobility packages. It partners with prime inner-city off-street car parks to create mobility hubs – fleets of small electric vehicles locked and charged at dedicated ports. Offered under a simple Last Mile industry subscription, the wide range of EVs including bikes, mopeds, cargo bikes and scooters are easily accessible to drivers who simply unlock them in the app and drive the EV with the delivery can begin. Visit Port.app to learn more about how Port increases the efficiency of last mile deliveries and improves the courier and customer experience.
About Ryde
Ryde offers an integrated delivery solution for everyone from brick-and-mortar retailers to e-commerce giants. Built on high quality technology, Ryde helps businesses build a bespoke fleet of vehicles and a curated team of drivers and drivers to streamline their delivery management. Visit Ryde.team to learn more about how Ryde is changing last mile logistics.
