Namma Yatri, India’s first zero-commission ride-hailing app, is an open network mobility platform built with a goal to revolutionize mobility across cities and towns by providing equitable, multi-modal transportation services to commuters without the involvement of any middlemen. Having achieved a significant userbase and establishing trust with users, their next goal is to expand this zero-commission model into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, providing reliable and fair transportation to more commuters.

The challenge

India's constantly changing city landscapes presented significant challenges. Frequent road construction and new landmarks meant pickup points could vanish or shift overnight. This led to confusion, delays, and frustrating calls between drivers and passengers. Inaccurate routing also caused fare discrepancies, jeopardizing user trust in Namma Yatri's transparent, distance-based pricing. The team needed a mapping solution for real-time accuracy and consistent operations across all service areas, along with a partner to help deploy it quickly and at scale.

The diagnosis

Searce took a process-first approach, mapping out the complete rider-driver experience across different city types. We identified that the existing system lacked the precise, up-to-date geospatial intelligence needed to navigate these fluid conditions confidently. Our diagnosis confirmed that a holistic solution was needed, extending beyond immediate fixes to enable sustainable growth and foster user confidence.

The solution

Working alongside the Google Maps Platform team, Searce ensured the seamless integration of core APIs, including the Navigation SDK and Routes API, directly into Namma Yatri's rider and driver apps. This delivered real-time, turn-by-turn navigation that factored in live traffic and road conditions, ensuring optimal routes that matched driver instincts while staying aligned with regulatory fare models.

By embedding familiar Google Maps visuals, Searce helped establish immediate trust, as passengers could see that the routes in the app mirrored what they would expect on consumer Google Maps, eliminating doubts around distance and pricing. More than a technical deployment, we architected a future-ready geospatial framework that standardized the experience across both metros and emerging Tier 2 and 3 cities. This allowed Namma Yatri to maintain consistent, transparent service everywhere it operates, while staying true to its open, driver-first mission.

The impact

Searce's strategic integration of Google Maps Platform significantly improved Namma Yatri's operational efficiency and user experience. Complaints about route mismatches and fare discrepancies dropped markedly, while passengers now benefit from faster pickups and transparent, predictable pricing. For drivers, this means more efficient routes, reduced idle time, and an increase in earnings by 20-30%, cementing Namma Yatri's reputation as India's trusted, driver-first mobility platform.

The consistent, globally trusted data quality is key to Namma Yatri's vision of expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities without compromising on service quality. The reliable in-app navigation is the driving force behind the trust of over 10 million users and has reinforced Namma Yatri's commitment to transparency and fair economics.