One of Uber’s biggest rivals, Ola, is hitting the brakes in Australia after telling customers it will “discontinue operations” in the country.
The Indian firm – one of three ride-sharing companies in Australia – will close its app on Friday, according to the email, after more than six years of operation.
Ola told drivers on Tuesday night that it was ceasing operations in several Australian cities.Credit: Ryan Stuart
The Transport Workers Union said it would seek an urgent meeting with the company after the shock closure, which followed similar announcements for grocery and food delivery services.
Ola, which operated in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Canberra and Perth, had employed more than 50 staff across Australia and New Zealand and boasted of more than 1.5 million users.
In an email to customers, the company said it would “discontinue operations” in Australia on Friday.
“You must not take any rides with any vehicle purporting to be an Ola vehicle or Ola driver from 12th April 2024,” it said.
“Ola has not authorised any driver or any other party to use the Ola brand or provide rides on Ola’s behalf.”
It is understood the company’s NZ operations will also close, and Ola’s app is rejecting new sign-ups from Australian users.
Attempts to contact the company’s local representatives were unsuccessful, with emails bouncing and phone lines redirecting callers to the company’s website.