Shuttlers Brings Back Door-to-Door Rides After Uber Exit

As Uber departs the Nigerian market after 12 years, Shuttlers is seizing the opportunity by relaunching its door-to-door pickup service with a new product called “Shuttlers Pod.” This move marks a return to the company’s origins before it transitioned to the more common bus-stop model.

The pods accommodate up to four passengers and offer both shared rides (where riders traveling in the same direction can split costs) and private car options. Bookings must be made at least 24 hours in advance, with fares varying based on occupancy.

“We’re targeting commuters who pay for private rides but now have one fewer option,” said Damilola Olokesusi, Shuttlers co-founder and CEO. “Pod is designed to attract customers beyond our existing bus users.”

The company claims this new model addresses a key pain point: the time and effort required to reach designated pickup locations, especially during traffic or flooding.

A Second Chance at Home Pickups?

This isn’t Shuttlers’ first attempt at door-to-door service—they initially offered it when launching in 2015 before switching to the fixed-route bus model. The question remains whether this type of service can be profitable, particularly with today’s economic realities.

“Inflation has reduced purchasing power, and there’s a limit to what consumers will pay for transport,” noted Laolu Onifade, former CEO of Hytch (a carpooling startup that previously shut down). “Filling those four seats consistently will be key to Shuttlers’ success with Pod.”

Shuttlers currently operates over 430 buses daily across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, completing more than 10 million journeys under its existing model. The company hopes Pod will expand its reach by capturing customers who value the convenience of doorstep pickup.