Ola, Google launch lightweight mobile website for non-frequent users

Cab aggregator Ola along with Google on Thursday launched its progressive web app (PWA), a lightweight data-friendly mobile website that offers users, especially non-frequent users in smaller towns and cities, an app-like experience on smartphones.
Additionally, PWA presents itself as a convenient option for Ola ‘Outstation’ and ‘Rental’ customers who can now access Ola services through this light application on their mobile phones and desktops/laptops alike.
“As the first ride-hailing app in the APAC region that is using PWA technology, this represents an important development that will enable us to reach an ever greater number of customers and driver partners in rural India,” said Ankit Bhati, cofounder and CTO of Ola, in a statement.
Users can book an Ola cab through PWA across all categories and can also pay for their ride through Ola Money.
“It’s exciting to see Ola create their PWA, which will ensure their users have an engaging experience from the very first moment,” added Rahul Roy-chowdhury, VP, product management, Chrome, Google.
Ola claims that PWA consumes only 50KB data on first payload and 10KB on subsequent loads.