A fresh ride-hailing application is establishing itself in a city located in southeastern Manitoba. KodaGO is designed to bridge the gap in communities that lack public transportation options or access to popular ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. The creator of the app, Justus Oladele, was motivated to develop it after encountering transportation challenges of his own.
Originally from Nigeria, Oladele moved to Montreal before eventually landing in Winnipeg three years ago without realizing the distance to his friend’s home in Steinbach. Upon arrival, he struggled to find transportation options to reach Steinbach due to the absence of trains, planes, Uber, or buses in the area. Despite eventually securing a ride from a friend’s husband, Oladele decided to take action rather than merely complaining about the issue.
Lacking a Manitoba driver’s license and access to a vehicle, Oladele leveraged his technological expertise to spend two years crafting the KodaGO app, which was officially launched in May. Since its inception, the platform has amassed 360 users primarily through word-of-mouth referrals. The service is available nationwide wherever a driver is present, with operations commencing in Winkler in mid-August.
In addition to offering transportation services, KodaGO serves as a means for individuals to earn extra income by becoming drivers. The app also features a carpooling functionality that allows drivers to pick up passengers en route to Winnipeg, facilitating cost-sharing for the journey. Oladele emphasizes that the app simplifies travel for various purposes such as grocery shopping, school pickups, and recreational activities, eliminating concerns about reaching destinations.
Steinbach City Councilor Damian Penner, while not personally encountering transportation hurdles, acknowledges the significant public transportation challenges within the city. He views the introduction of KodaGO to the community positively, recognizing its potential to enhance mobility for residents and enable them to access work, worship centers, and community events more conveniently.
As part of the community, Penner intends to test the app, considering it as a future mobility option for his children as they grow and may require independent transportation. Eugene Warwaruk, President of the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce, who owns two vehicles, acknowledges the transportation limitations in the city and appreciates the introduction of an alternative transportation solution developed locally.
With the continued expansion of KodaGO anticipated nationwide, Oladele envisions the app playing a crucial role in facilitating seamless travel for residents in smaller towns. His ultimate goal is to prevent individuals from being stranded due to transportation deficiencies, emphasizing the importance of accessible mobility options for all.
