A new e-hailing app that gives users the chance to negotiate travelling costs with their driver instead of paying a set fee, has just made its way to Cape Town. The app, inDriver, has a strong user base of over 20-million in more than 200 cities around the world.
inDriver Real Time Deals (RTD) model allows passengers to set their own fare for their selected route. Nearby drivers are sent the destination and offer, which they can either accept or counter. They can then barter with the customer to reach a compromise and agree on a fee. Pre-approved rates in the app give guidance, but the final fare is set by passenger and driver in a real-time negotiation.
“inDriver was built to counter price surging by other ride-hailing companies and gives the power of setting prices back to passengers and drivers,” says inDriver spokesperson Lerato Moroe.
It all started on a Russian social network with a group of indignant taxi riders who objected to price surges when temperatures dropped below minus 45-degrees Celsius. In just six months, more than 60 000 people had joined the group, which soon became an app, one that has proven highly adaptable for diverse markets across Eastern Europe, Latin America and Africa.
The more affordable platform for passengers also benefits drivers, who appreciate the app’s transparency and lower commission rates, with 0% commission for the first few months.
“Drivers can earn more with inDriver than on other apps because they have full freedom to choose any ride request they like without any risk of being penalised. They can see the full fare, point A and point B and then decide if they want to accept the request – a feature with big appeal, often requested by drivers,” says Moroe.
Once the counter-offers are in, passengers select their best-fit driver in line with what categories are most important to them – fare, driver rating, estimated time of arrival or vehicle model.
“Both parties are able to prioritise what matters most to them, in a safe and convenient way,” says Moroe.
Riders can share the details of their ride with a friend, providing added security.
Payment is made in cash – cutting out transaction fees and other costs associated with middlemen. inDriver is available for download on Google Play and the App Store. Also read: Top 10 APP’s for Capetonians
Picture: Supplied