Where did the idea come from and what makes Arrive different?
So I actually started my career in investment banking. As a trader, I built the key skills I needed to know what worked in business and what didn’t. I also knew the value of a good taxi service when working late hours… So after 2008, with global markets going south, I took redundancy and started a cab firm comparison website. This then grew and expanded, and later became Arrive.
As we all know, ride-hailing has become such an entrenched part of our day to day lives. Not only has it caused a massive drop in car ownership, but it has also changed the way people travel. However, what I noticed was that apps have become really good at getting people in their taxis, but not so good about getting the people in the right cars. This is where Arrive comes in.
For us, it isn’t just about getting people from A to B, but it is also about finding the right cars for the right people. Some people just want the cheapest possible journey. Some just want to get to their destination quickly. At Arrive, we see that someone’s choice is sometimes even more nuanced than that…you may want a driver who is going to carry your luggage, or will let you bring your dog into the car.
What Arrive offers is a truly choice-based model. This sets us apart from your standard ride-hailing apps and allows for a more comfortable and enjoyable journey. So whether you want your driver to sit in complete silence, or let you plug in your aux whilst you’re on the way to the pub, Arrive allows you to set your preferences and for a more comfortable journey.
What are you doing in the sustainability space?
First off, we only accept zero emission drivers on our platform. This came about as we learnt more about the market and realised that this was the future. We are very conscious of the impact that ride-hailing has on the environment, so when making a new app, we knew that we had to tackle this head on, rather than just adding to the problem.
My approach to business has always been to think about the major stakeholder first, and for me, the planet is a key stakeholder here. We all know that pollution and carbon emissions are a problem, so if we can set a trend of promoting the use of zero emissions cars, then I think we could pave the way for change.
I’ve also created a business model where drivers have their own autonomy and are rewarded for delivering a good service, providing a ladder to increase earnings. They position themselves as service providers and I think this respect for drivers sets us apart from our competitors, as well as nurturing a sustainable business model.
Where do you see Arrive in 5 years time?
It’s interesting to think on a five year time scale, as that aligns with the Mayor of London’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Delivery Plan. This aims to make all private car hires in London zero emission within the next few years and obviously aligns perfectly with our business model. This is an indication we are positioning ourselves correctly. Also, as much as the past few months have been a challenge, they have also been an opportunity. With people becoming so conscious of cleanliness, the fact that we can promise a spotless car means that we are confident Arrive can continue to grow in a post-covid world.