In a market filled with corporate-backed apps and algorithm-driven pricing, one man is leading a quiet but powerful shift in Canadian mobility. His name is Ashwani Singh Bedi—Founder of Bedi Group, a diversified venture ecosystem that includes LocalRide, Biryani Bar, Naan House of London, BG Foundation, and BG Pharmaceuticals—and now, the first Indian founder in Canada to launch a ride-sharing platform built for real people.
That platform is LocalRide, and it’s not just changing how we move. It’s challenging what ride-sharing can mean when driven by purpose—not profit.
A Foundation in Service, Not Just Software
Ashwani’s journey didn’t begin in mobility—it began in service. Through Biryani Bar, he brought authentic Indian cuisine to Ontario with a community-first spirit. But it was his deeper commitment through BG Foundation that truly laid the groundwork for what came next.
Feeding the homeless, distributing Presto Cards to students and seniors, delivering medicine to low-income families—he saw the day-to-day barriers people faced. One of the biggest? Transportation. And nobody was solving it for the people who needed it most.
From Meals to Mobility
Ashwani saw it all firsthand: families missing medical appointments due to expensive surge fares, students walking home late because they couldn’t afford a ride, and drivers working long hours only to take home half their earnings.
That’s when he realized mobility isn’t just about convenience—it’s about access. And access is a right.
So he launched LocalRide—a ride-sharing app in Canada built on fairness, inclusion, and community feedback.
What Makes LocalRide Different?
LocalRide doesn’t rely on flashy features or price gimmicks. Its design is rooted in what people actually want—reliability, transparency, and respect.
Drivers earn more because commission rates are kept intentionally low. Riders see flat pricing up front, with no hidden fees or surge surcharges. And unlike most ride hailing apps in Canada, LocalRide expands only where there’s community demand—not where there’s easy profit.
Additionally, drivers on LocalRide can now access instant payouts after completing rides, with only a 1% processing charge—a feature designed to support financial flexibility for gig workers.
Ashwani’s philosophy is simple: “Build for people, and they’ll build with you.”
Co-Founder Spotlight: N.K. Bedi
While Ashwani leads with mission, LocalRide’s structure and sustainability are co-led by N.K. Bedi, the platform’s Co-founder and strategic architect.
With a background in business, investment, and accountancy, N.K. Bedi ensures that LocalRide not only grows—but grows with stability. She leads financial systems, expansion planning, and compliance, balancing purpose with precision.
Together, Ashwani and N.K. Bedi form the heart and engine of LocalRide—a leadership model that blends vision and execution with rare alignment.
Not Just an App—A Platform With Purpose
Through BG Foundation, LocalRide is directly supporting:
- Free and subsidized rides for seniors
- Transit access programs for students
- Safe transport for shelter residents and care workers
This isn’t charity. This is infrastructure built on empathy.
Serving More Than Cities
LocalRide isn’t focused only on downtown cores. It expands into suburbs, small towns, and student neighborhoods where other platforms won’t go.
Ashwani believes that no one should be excluded from transportation because of their postal code. That’s why expansion happens based on need—not metrics.
Want LocalRide in your community? Let the team know.
Empowering Drivers With Real Earnings
While most platforms take up to 30% of a driver’s fare, LocalRide offers low commission ride sharing plus the ability to cash out instantly with only 1% in processing fees.
There’s no ride streak pressure. No gamified penalties. Just more money in the driver’s pocket, and more transparency on every trip.
A Future for Students, Seniors, and Everyone In Between
Ashwani and N.K. Bedi are also designing student ride discounts in Canada, simplified access for seniors, and long-term partnerships with nonprofits and municipalities.
The app is intentionally built to work for all ages, devices, and comfort levels—without making users feel like they’re battling a tech dashboard.
What’s Ahead for LocalRide?
LocalRide’s roadmap includes:
- Women-first driver safety networks
- Healthcare transportation services
- Local loyalty programs for riders and drivers
- Transparent expansion with community voting
And as Statistics Canada reports that over 15 million Canadians rely on daily commuting, Ashwani and N.K. Bedi are building the infrastructure to meet them there—with fairness.
FAQ
Who is Ashwani Singh Bedi?
Founder of Bedi Group and the first Indian entrepreneur in Canada to launch a ride-sharing platform.
Who is N.K. Bedi?
Co-founder of LocalRide with a professional background in business, investments, and accountancy. She leads financial growth and operational strategy.
What makes LocalRide different?
No surge pricing, low driver commissions, flat fares, regional service, and a strong social impact model.
Can I drive with LocalRide?
Yes. Apply via the Careers page.
Final Word
Ashwani Singh Bedi and N.K. Bedi didn’t just build another app—they built a movement for mobility equity in Canada.
With LocalRide, they’re proving that purpose-led platforms can outperform, out-serve, and outlast the biggest names in the space.
If you’re ready to ride with intention, you’re ready for LocalRide.
