KATHMANDU: inDriver, an international ride-hailing service, has launched its services in Kathmandu, the largest city in Nepal. inDriver connects drivers and passengers, and allows them to independently agree on all the terms of each trip.
inDriver’s Real Time Deals (RTD) model enables passengers to offer their price for their selected route and get counter-offers directly from nearby drivers. In turn, drivers have the freedom to decide for themselves which ride requests suit them best, and can suggest their own prices.
Unlike other ride-hailing apps, where algorithms determine pricing, inDriver offers a unique service by allowing passengers and drivers to independently negotiate the fare of the ride. If the passenger receives multiple offers, they can take their pick based on the driver’s ETA, rating, price and vehicle model . The driver can also choose a particular order based on the price and distance, the passenger’s rating, the pick-up location and the number of inDriver trips the customer has already taken.
“We are excited to bring inDriver to Nepal. We are now operating our services in Kathmandu Valley and will soon be launching our services in all major cities of Nepal. For at least the first six months of operation in Nepal, inDriver will not charge drivers a commission fee, meaning they will receive the entire fare of every ride (excluding applicable taxes and tolls). Thereafter, the commission fee for drivers will be significantly lower than that of other ride-hail services operating throughout the city. inDriver has already signed up more than 4,000 drivers in Nepal.” said Ms. Pavit Nanda, South Asia PR Manager, inDriver.
To book a ride request, the passenger inputs the pick-up and drop-off points in the app along with the estimated price of the trip. Drivers registered in the system are immediately notified of this request to accept the order, ignore it, or offer their own price for the trip.
inDriver’s RTD model brings power back to the people by allowing the driver and the passenger to directly negotiate fares. For example, through the app, passengers could pay as little as NPR 270 for travelling from Gongabu Bus Park (Kathmandu) to Satdobato (Lalitpur) and NPR 130 for travelling from Thamel to Boudhanath.