Shuttlers hits 10 million trips, integrates with Google Maps

Nigerian mobility startup Shuttlers has integrated its bus routes into Google Maps Transit, allowing commuters to discover routes and book seats directly through the navigation platform.

The company said the integration comes after it completed more than 10 million trips since launching in 2016.

The new feature brings Shuttlers’ scheduled routes into Google Maps’ transit layer. Commuters can now view available routes, plan journeys, and access booking options while navigating cities on Google Maps.

The move highlights the growing role of private mobility companies in addressing transport challenges across African cities, where public transport systems often struggle to meet demand.

According to the World Bank, African cities are about 29% more expensive overall than cities with similar income levels. Transport costs are also roughly twice the global average.

In Lagos, a study by the Danne Institute for Research found that the average commuter spends about 2.2 hours travelling each day. That amounts to roughly 11 hours a week for workers on a five-day schedule.

“For millions of professionals, commuting is still unpredictable, exhausting and expensive,” said Damilola Olokesusi, Shuttlers’ co-founder and chief executive officer.

“We have spent the last 10 years building technology and operational infrastructure that makes daily transportation more dependable for commuters, businesses that employ them, and the fleet operators who power our network.”

To join Google Transit, Shuttlers said it integrated its route data, scheduling systems, and real-time operational information with Google’s technical requirements.

Founded in 2016, Shuttlers operates scheduled bus services for professionals and corporate employees. The company currently serves about 30,000 active users across more than 1,000 routes.

Its fleet includes more than 430 buses operating daily in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

Shuttlers said it maintains a 99% trip completion rate and a 99.94% incident-free record. The company offers transport services directly to commuters and also works with businesses that subsidise employee transportation.

“Reliable transit information helps people navigate cities more confidently and efficiently,” said Olumide Balogun, Google’s Director for West Africa.

“As more Nigerians adopt digital tools for everyday mobility, integrations like these help make trusted transportation easier to discover and access.”

Meanwhile, Shuttlers is expanding the use of cleaner energy vehicles in its operations. The company said it is adding compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric buses to reduce emissions from urban transport.

In April 2025, Shuttlers introduced 20 CNG buses into its fleet. The company estimates the vehicles can reduce emissions by up to 60% compared with diesel-powered alternatives.

Shuttlers has also attracted investor backing to support its expansion. In 2023, it raised $4 million in an equity round led by Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures. The funding followed a $1.6 million seed round in 2021 led by VestedWorld.