A novel ride-sharing company, Hopp, is entering the Toronto market, aiming to disrupt the current Uber-Lyft domination.
Riding a Wave of Change: The Newcomer in Toronto's Transportation Market
Hey there, folks! The urban jungle of Toronto just got a dashing new addition - Hopp, boldly making waves in the city's transportation landscape as its North American debut ride-hailing app. Claiming its turf between Feb 11, hop in, because this ain't your typical unicorn startup!
Led by growth monster Bolt - Europe's kingpin in mobility services - Hopp blazes a trail lined with price transparency, affordable rides, and drivers' wellbeing as the top priorities.
While other platforms hoard secrets about the hidden differences between fares and drivers' earnings, Hopp levels up with a flat 15% commission, ensuring drivers bank the majority after taxes and fees. David Riggs, our dashing General Manager, explains the strategy, "The market has seen a disconnect between what riders' shell out and what drivers earn, which paves the way for competition to jack up the prices. Hopp aims to eliminate that ambiguity."
Success has been a familiar tune for Bolt, operating in more than 600 cities across 20 countries, holding the crown in 20 nation-leaderboards. Such stellar track record piqued Riggs' interest, who was enticed by a robust blend of financial muscle and independence to head Hopp's first North American campaign.
An exceptional voyage in commerce studies at Memorial University, internships with powerhouses Husky Energy and the federal government, battlegrounds with RBC's rotational program, trading floor, and CEO's office, coupled with co-founding Milk Moovement - a dairy supply chain management platform, groomed Riggs for this elite encounter.
"Bolt symbolized the perfect blend of corporate backing, a network of peers to learn and grow alongside, an avalanche of resources, yet the autonomy to operate the Canadian market," Riggs explains.
Since setting sail in Toronto, Mississauga, Markham, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill back in February (even during the region's worst snowstorm), Hopp bravehearted its way through Brampton in early April - yes, another snowstorm, gotta love Canadian winters!
Despite weather misfortunes, Riggs remains optimistic about rapid advancements, with Hopp now catering to over 85,000 active users daily, garnering high demand from an eager band of tens of thousands of hopeful drivers eager to join the party.
Curious about Hopp's Canadian itinerary? The Star had a candid chinwag with Riggs in Hopp's Toronto office to dive deeper. Check out the Q & A below!
What the Heck is Hopp?
Hopp is a European ride-sharing alternative with strong Canadian roots. Owned by Bolt, the largest European super-mobility app across 50 countries, Hopp represents a wealth of experience, a global footprint, and a clear objective - to challenge the Toronto monopoly and eventually Canada's entire market. As of now, Hopp runs in select areas of the Greater Toronto Area, but plans are underway to enter additional verticals like scooters, e-bikes, and more.
The Man Behind the Steering Wheel
Appointed as Hottie-in-Charge, er, er, Hopp's General Manager, David Riggs brings a diverse set of skills to the table. Born and raised in Newfoundland, his engaging portfolio encompasses Human Resources, Public Policy, and Entrepreneurship, giving him a well-rounded view of the transportation industry. Impressed by Riggs' multifaceted past, Hopp handpicked him to head its initial North American expansion mission.
The Initial Touchdown: Toronto
Intent on making a collision with the market leaders, Hopp zeroed in on Toronto as the perfect battleground. Armed with a competitive price transparency model and the promise of better driver earnings, Hopp sensed an opportunity to upgrade services in Toronto and the broader Canadian market. With proven success in other regions, Hopp felt poised to provide superior value compared to existing alternatives.
The Hopp Advantage
Hopp's forté lies in forging strong relationships with drivers, making them vital partners. Transparent commissions (15% fee) are at the heart of this strategy, allowing for cost savings passed onto riders and income boosts for drivers. Hopp's competitors historically charge around 25%, but the divide between fares and commission rates has grown unclear, making it tricky to ascertain what they levy.
The Years of Development: A Sneak Peek
Riggs assumed command June 2024, and an exhilarating journey unfolded. Along with an evolving team in Toronto and ample support from European headquarters, the path to launching a new market involved extensive liaising with local stakeholders, obtaining necessary licenses, launching operations, and onboarding the talented local crew. Steadily building momentum, February 11 marked the unleashing of Hopp in the wild world of Toronto!
First Impressions: A Success Story
Daily stats have shown tens of thousands of trips across the city, with thousands of daily active drivers clamoring to join the fun. Hopp's foothold in the market is stronger than expected, positioning it for potential growth and expansion within Canada.
Future Plans: A Wide Horizon
Hopp is always on the prowl for expansion opportunities, evaluating further expansion within Ontario and beyond national borders. Toronto has delivered promising results, serving as a critical stepping stone for Hopp's growth. But the fun doesn't stop there! Hopp eyes additional verticals like food delivery and car sharing services, ready to push the boundaries of the traditional transportation industry!
Catch the Wave:
Excited yet? Stay updated on Hopp's movement by staying attuned to news sources, social media, and the occasional influencer campaign. Promotions, discounts, and other juicy indulgences will soon hit the streets of Toronto, inviting you to give Hopp a spin! Fun fact, did you know that new riders will enjoy a 50% discount on their initial rides? So, why wait? Jump aboard, Toronto, and feel the surge of change in the air! After all, with Hopp at the helm, the transportation landscape is bound to shake things up!
- As Hopp pushes into the Canadian transportation industry, it plans to expand beyond ride-sharing to incorporate scooters, e-bikes, and potentially food delivery and car sharing services.
- The General Manager of Hopp, David Riggs, boasts an impressive background in human resources, public policy, and entrepreneurship, having held roles at Husky Energy, the federal government, RBC, and as a co-founder of Milk Moovement.
- Capitalizing on its success in Europe, Hopp has launched in select areas of the Greater Toronto Area, including Toronto, Mississauga, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Brampton.
- Hopp's strategy prioritizes transparency, offering drivers a flat 15% commission, allowing them to bank the majority of their earnings after taxes and fees, unlike competitors who often maintain unclear commission rates.
- The Star recently interviewed Riggs at Hopp's Toronto office, offering a deeper look into the company's Canadian itinerary and plans for growth within the country.
- While facing challenges such as snowstorms, Hopp has quickly garnered a large user base, with over 85,000 active users daily and thousands of drivers eager to join their service.
- Hopp aims to challenge the current monopoly in Toronto's transportation industry and eventually conquer the entire Canadian market, leveraging Bolt's extensive global footprint and resources.
- To stay updated on Hopp's expansion and take advantage of promotions, discounts, and exclusive offers, keep an eye on news sources, social media, and influencer campaigns – new riders can even enjoy a 50% discount on their initial rides.
