Published
01/17/2025, 14:16The married couple Aleksandr and Natalia founded the "Altyn" taxi fleet — a business that now operates successfully in two countries, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.
Natalia was born in Bishkek and moved to St. Petersburg during her youth, where she later met her future husband. She still has many relatives and friends in Bishkek, whom she often visits.
Aleksandr is a programmer by education, engaged in business automation using 1C. For many years he dreamed of starting his own business. After work, he sometimes picked up passengers, which helped him gain insight into the taxi industry.
"Ten years ago, there were no aggregators like Yandex Go in Russia, basically everyone worked through dispatch offices. Orders had to be placed by phone or via a website. Nevertheless, the taxi industry was gaining momentum, with significant earnings potential due to high demand. By opening our own dispatch center, we understood that it would be just as easy for us to serve 100 clients as it would be to serve 100,000, unlike other industries where expanding the customer base significantly increases investments and infrastructure demands. This business can be built almost single-handedly, without the need to assemble a team at the start. The key is having the will and the brains", — Aleksandr explains.
Natalia had extensive experience in management and human resource administration. She consulted entrepreneurs on business process systematization and human resources management. This experience greatly contributed to their joint venture.
Since 2015, Aleksandr and Natalia have been working in the taxi industry in St. Petersburg and Moscow. Since 2020, they have been actively collaborating with Yandex Go. Today, their team consists of more than 40 agents and their driver base exceeds 10,000 people.
According to the couple, working together is not difficult at all; on the contrary, it brings many joyful moments, funny situations and, of course, important lessons.
"We have clearly divided tasks and responsibilities, help and support each other. We grow together in our joint business while also pursuing our individual areas. It's important to learn to be partners at work and just a married couple at home", — Natalia shares her secret.
In 2024, due to the weakening of the ruble exchange rate, many drivers from Kyrgyzstan working in Russia began to return to their homeland. They approached Aleksandr and Natalia with a request to open their taxi fleet in Bishkek.
"For my husband and me, Kyrgyzstan holds a special place. We lived in Greece for a while in Athens. My husband admitted that he finds Bishkek better than Athens due to its hospitality, the kindness of its people and the beauty of nature", — she says.
At the beginning of the year, the "Altyn" taxi fleet was established in Bishkek. Initially, it was not easy; they had to quickly get acquainted with the new environment. The legislation was different, the tools were less advanced and the overall level of the service market was lower.
"In Kyrgyzstan, we encountered lower prices, a smaller percentage of orders from Yandex Go, an older fleet of vehicles and less responsible drivers. However, where some see shortcomings, we saw potential. Almost immediately, we implemented one of the best driver support systems — it's three-tiered, with at least two specialists available at all times (operating 24/7). This really helps them, especially in difficult situations", — Aleksandr notes.
Natalia admits that there were moments when she wanted to give it all up.
"But we couldn't leave the huge number of people who were used to working with us without support. Thanks to our team and the loyalty of the drivers, we managed to overcome the difficulties. We were able to start quickly with Yandex Go; the management is always very open to communication. Payments are always made promptly on their side. Work-related issues are resolved quickly", — Natalia shares.
An important milestone for the company was the inclusion of the "Altyn" taxi fleet in the Association of Taxi Fleets of Kyrgyzstan in the fall of 2024. This recognition of their efforts is significant. Aleksandr and Natalia's immediate plans include expanding the business, purchasing new vehicles and opening new fleets in other regions and countries where Yandex Go operates.
Experienced entrepreneurs advise newcomers in the passenger transportation industry to strive to be open, seek partners, learn new information, and most importantly, take care of their team.
"Work honestly, never deceive your drivers and partners, and your business will grow and thrive for many years, no matter what happens or what problems arise — and they will certainly come your way — you will overcome them all", — they advise.
