A Food Science student at the University of the Free State, Victor Uwah, started a student shuttle business as he knows and understands the struggles students face when it comes to transport.
“I started a company called Falkon for students by students because I realised there are many student needs that are met by external companies who do not really understand the needs of these students,” Uwah explained.
He told Bloemfontein Courant how he started a ‘grocery shuttle’ for students at a much cheaper rate, which would also be much safer for students. Uwah organises registered meter taxis to drive the students to their destination and back at only R30. “We have an agreement with different meter taxis in Bloemfontein who already have experience in the field. The meter taxis offered help and without it being a loss to them, the system works,” he added.
The shuttle transports the students to specific stores, the farthest store being in Bloemfontein Central (CBD). The service is for a maximum of two hours in which the students get to shop. They are then picked up by the shuttle at exactly the allocated time. The cost is only R30 for the entire trip to and from. “Which makes this initiative so great is that the students pay less for transport and can now save more money for other necessities. It also ensures the safety of the students, which is very important,” Uwah explained.
“I have also tried to organise allocated tills for when they are done shopping. This would mean they could go straight to the till in specific shops and not waste time standing in a long queue.”
Uwah said he has had a lot of challenges because he barely has any experience in starting a business and having no funding. The Taxi Association was also one of his challenges, but ‘Falkies’ luckily obtained approval from them. Uwah also assured the students that they would be transported by a trustworthy driver from a well-established meter taxi company.
Falkon can be found on Facebook as Falkon Group or Victor can be contacted directly on 081-521-2689. Anyone who would like to offer support or mentorship or is interested in investing, can contact Uwah. – Heidre Malgas
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