inDrive, an online ride-hailing and transportation services provider, says enabling drivers and riders to negotiate prices is the only way to achieve an amicable balance in the business amid the recent surge in fuel prices.
With the rise in petrol costs due to subsidy removal, drivers from popular ride-hailing companies like Uber and Bolt are advocating for a reassessment of fares for passenger trips, and have served a notice to withdraw their services (strike).
But according to inDrive, unlike other ride-hailing companies, where the app determines the price without recourse to the driver or passenger, “inDrive considers both parties’ interests when determining the fare. This approach ensures that the price is favourable to both drivers and users of the app,” said Dimeji Timothy, business development representative at inDrive Nigeria.
With the fuel price hike, a twitter user, @asiwajuLerry, said, “If a ride costs more than 3k, I would rather walk. That’s why I consider inDrive a blessing. Even if the ride is only 2k, I would still negotiate the fare.”
Speaking further, Timothy said, the inDrive approach “offers an advantage to the passenger in the face of an astronomical hike in fuel price following the removal of subsidy.”
He added: “We generate revenue by advocating for fair trade principles and implementing sustainable non-profit programs. Both of these aspects constitute meaningful and purposeful core aspects of our business. We uphold ethical practices and prioritise avoiding any harmful actions.”
He said inDrive was also mulling an initiative that will accommodate and create convenience for passengers with disabilities.
“We are constantly dedicated to enhancing inclusivity within inDrive. As part of these efforts, we have developed in-app video tutorials for drivers, specifically focusing on accommodating passengers with disabilities. The tutorial series covers four scenarios: passengers with visual impairments, passengers with hearing impairments, passengers using crutches, and passengers in wheelchairs.”
inDrive operates in 614 cities across 47 countries, facilitating an impressive two billion rides.
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