BusCaro's Journey to Transform Commuting in Pakistan

Maha Shazhad, a young entrepreneur from Pakistan, faced a daunting challenge early in her life. At 19, she had to leave university due to the lack of safe and reliable transportation.

This experience, shared by many Pakistanis, especially women, led her to create BusCaro, a startup aiming to provide a safer commuting alternative.

Addressing a Nationwide Problem

In Pakistan, the issue of commuting safety, particularly for women, is significant. Shazhad herself recounted spending a substantial portion of her salary on safer transportation alternatives. This widespread problem inspired the inception of BusCaro, designed to offer a dependable and secure commuting solution for Pakistanis.

Innovative Approach and Funding Success

BusCaro recently announced raising $1.5 million in pre-seed funding, led by Orbit Startups. The funding round also saw participation from Wahed Ventures and angel investors from the mobility sector. This financial boost is a testament to the startup's potential impact and innovative approach.

Revolutionizing Commuting with a Unique Model

Unlike traditional ride-sharing apps, BusCaro operates on a B2B2C model, collaborating with universities and factories to provide tailored transportation solutions. This model not only matches supply with demand but also helps to reduce costs for commuters and increase operator incomes.

Prioritizing Safety and Convenience

Safety is at the forefront of BusCaro's services. The startup ensures rider security through driver background checks, vehicle inspections, tracking, and an emergency response team. A unique feature for women allows them to use a masked name for added privacy. Additionally, a live-tracking feature enhances safety by allowing riders to share their locations with loved ones. BusCaro is also developing an SOS button in the app for direct connection to its security partner, Mohafiz.

Expanding Reach and Future Goals

Since its launch in 2022, BusCaro has expanded to Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, boasting over 300 vehicles and managing more than 20,000 bookings daily. The startup's growth trajectory positions it to achieve profitability by early 2024, with a recent milestone of $2.5 million in revenue.

From Experience to Entrepreneurship

Before founding BusCaro, Shazhad gained valuable experience at Careem and Swvl, two prominent mobility startups. Her journey with these companies, combined with her personal experiences, fueled her determination to address the commuting challenges in Pakistan.