Ola ride share shuts down across Australia

Rideshare service Ola is shutting down across Australia.

Ola made the shock announcement in an email to its customers and drivers that it was 'discontinuing operations' from April 12. 

'This means that you will no longer be able to book any rides through your Ola app from that date,' the email read.

'You must not take any rides with any vehicle purporting to be an Ola vehicle or Ola driver from 12th April 2024.

'Ola has not authorised any driver or any other party to use the Ola brand or provide rides on Ola's behalf.'

The email did not reveal the reason for the abrupt closure or why it happened to suddenly. 

However, the email explained customers could access the app for their account information or to raise a query to the customer care team for a period of 30 days.

Customers will then be permanently locked out of the Ola app from May 11, 2024. 

It's understood Ola drivers were sent an email advising them to download all relevant information for tax and business purposes before the app becomes unavailable.

Ola was founded by Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati in India in 2011 before launching in Australia in 2018. 

'We are very excited about launching Ola in Australia and see immense potential for the ridesharing ecosystem which embraces new technology and innovation,' said Mr Aggarwal said in 2018.

'With a strong focus on drivers and the community at large, we aim to create a high-quality and affordable travel experience for citizens and look forward to contributing to a healthy mobility ecosystem in Australia.'

The rideshare company was a direct competitor with Uber and was available to customers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra. 

It also boasted being one of the world's largest ridesharing companies with drivers in Australia, India, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. 

Ola scaled back its operations across Australia in late 2020, with major staff redundancies and shutting down local driver offices. 

The company has also been silent on its Australian social media accounts, with no new posts since mid-2021.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ola for comment.