Abejita Express Trimotor-Entrepreneurship in the DR
This is Abejita Express Trimotor Transportation Company: An Entrepreneur’s Path to Launching a Thriving Passenger Business in Higüey City, Dominican Republic.
Higuey, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic – Yan Carlos Nuñez was born on July 22 1987 in La Romana, Dominican Republic. After working for Copa Airlines in Punta Cana International Airport as a lead agent for four years, he took an unforseen career step and embraced entrepreneurship. The risk paid off because today, he is the CEO and President of Abejita Express, a trimotor transportation company that services the people of Higüey City.
Abejita is Spanish for “little bee,” which is a name well suited to describe the industrious speed of the trimotors that transport everyday Dominicans to frequented places like the grocery store. Nuñez started off with just eight of these efficient vehicles and a couple business partners.
Now, the company has fifteen of its own, which they hire drivers to operate or rent out for 20,000 DOP, 100 DOP daily. The drivers that work with the company are able to keep their profits as long as they pay the company 1,000 DOP at the end of their work day.
Trimotor transportation became popular in 2019 when Nuñez’s competition, Popi Express, debuted the vehicles in Higüey City. Each ride costs 150 DOP (3 USD) and drivers can be contacted via phone call or WhatsApp.
The affordability, efficiency, and security of this transportation method have captivated the attention of residents. Trimotors have become so popular that they have surpassed motorcycle taxis, known as “motoconchos,” which were previously a favorite means of transportation in the Dominican Republic.
What differentiates trimotors from motorcycle taxis is that they seat three passengers instead of just two, and there is space to store groceries or luggage. They also come with a canopy that protects passengers from rain and the hot blazing Caribbean sun. Overall, the vehicles are simply safer and more convenient than “motoconchos,” and the difference in price per ride is only 50 DOP (less than 1 USD).
Yan Carlos Nuñez made a rewarding investment that will continue benefiting him as the popularity of trimotors increases all over the country, but the profits aren’t the most gratifying part of his business.
“The most beautiful thing is the connection you have with customers,” said Nuñez, who still chooses to be a driver despite his position in the company.
“There are people who trust us enough to take their children to school…and that is the satisfaction that sticks with me at the end of the day.”
“The goal is for our business to grow to be able to provide other types of transportation as we continue to serve as the best punctual, safe and trustworthy example to others.”
For Inquiries:
Yan Carlos Nuñez (CEO and President) – Mobile +1 (849) 270-2476
Rachell Soler | Latin American Correspondent
Rachell Soler is a Dominican journalist and creative who is passionate about culture, music, art and food-tasting. She enjoys learning people’s stories and encouraging those in her community to embrace their upbringings. Soler is a Southwest Houston, Texas product and hopes to enlighten the world with her writing. Her stories are meant to reveal what is often lost in the background and tell inspiring stories that are usually left untold. She is a singer-songwriter in her free time, as she maintains a multifaceted lifestyle while she finishes her studies at University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.
