Ola opens API eyes to expand its user base

The company is expanding its user base further by 100 million users in next two years.

App-based taxi service operator Ola said on Saturday that it has opened its application program interface (API), which will allow third party developers to integrate their offering within their own platforms.

The company is looking at the move as a way to expand, its user base further by 100 million users from its API partners alone over the next two years.

Ola says it currently doesn't have any revenue share model with partners, who integrate its API within their own apps and services. Third parties are instead benefited by offering their own customers end-to-end solutions in terms of transport.

For example, MakeMyTrip, which is an early partner of Ola will push notifications to customers prompting them to book, an Ola taxi to the airport ahead of their planned travel. Similarly, Ola has also partnered with Helpchat, InMobi and Samsung.

"With this step, we would open up access to many more millions of users from our partners, offering them a seamless mobility experience. We are excited about welcoming thousands of developers across the country to work with us to build mobility for a billion people," said Ankit Bhati, CTO and Co-founder at Ola.

Helpchat representatives who demonstrated the integration of their app with Ola's API at a hackathon, which is organised by the company, said they're also in talks with rival taxi operator Uber for a similar integration in order to give their customers more choice.

Currently, the API only works with Ola's taxi offering but the company has said it will add integrations across Ola Money, Ola Store and upcoming offerings in the foreseeable future.