inDrive’s bidding process redefines ride-hailing in South Africa
South Africa’s ride-hailing market is evolving, as rising fuel costs and income inequality create demand for a model that offers both affordability and flexibility.
inDrive is answering that demand with its peer-to-peer bidding process, which puts control in the hands of riders and drivers.
Unlike other ride-hailing platforms currently operating in South Africa that rely on algorithm-driven pricing, inDrive allows riders to propose fares directly.
Drivers can then accept, reject or submit a counter offer, with the trip confirmed only once both parties agree.
This transforms ride-hailing into a transparent marketplace where value is mutually established rather than dictated by an algorithm.
Why the bidding process matters in South Africa
South Africa’s economic landscape makes peer-to-peer bidding particularly relevant.
Fixed fare systems often price out riders or leave drivers struggling to cover costs.
inDrive’s bidding process adapts to real-world conditions, enabling fairer outcomes for both sides.
Riders gain control over what they are willing to pay, while drivers decide whether the trip is viable.
Ashif Black, country representative for inDrive South Africa, explains: “inDrive’s bidding process empowers South African drivers and riders to agree on fares that reflect real-world conditions, from daily commuters to shift workers and informal economy users. This approach improves affordability and fairness, especially where traditional pricing does not capture local supply and demand.”
Independent research by Oxford Economics in collaboration with inDrive shows that in-app fare bidding increases completed trips, expands access to transport and improves satisfaction for riders and drivers.
In South Africa, where trip distances and transport options vary widely, flexible pricing enables rides to reach areas that standard algorithmic pricing often ignores.
“Having control over fares ensures riders and drivers in South Africa access a transport system that is fairer, more practical and suited to local conditions. Our research shows that the bidding process helps more people get around while supporting drivers’ livelihoods,” adds Black.
Riders can propose lower fares, drivers can accept based on convenience and competition between drivers can reduce costs further.
This system makes rides more accessible to budget-conscious users and allows trips that might otherwise be skipped to take place.
The Oxford Economics study further highlights that fare bidding allows users to complete more trips and reach locations that might otherwise be uneconomical.
This is particularly significant in South African townships, peri-urban areas and other hard-to-reach locations, where conventional ride-hailing may not reliably operate.
Empowering drivers
For drivers, inDrive’s model offers autonomy and improved earning potential.
They can reject low offers or negotiate higher fares, and lower commission fees (often under 10%) allow them to retain more of the fare.
This flexibility enables drivers to adapt earnings to real-world costs and maximise income without depending on temporary discounts or subsidies.
Nationwide reach and growth
inDrive operates in all nine South African provinces and over 16 cities, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Gqeberha, East London and Pietermaritzburg.
Since launching in 2019, the platform has seen sustained growth as more South Africans choose peer-negotiated fares over rigid pricing models.
Globally, the inDrive app has been downloaded over 200 million times and consistently ranks among the world’s most downloaded mobility platforms.
inDrive is creating a fairer, more adaptable ride-hailing system by giving riders and drivers the power to set fares through a transparent bidding process.
It reflects South Africa’s economic realities while supporting drivers and passengers alike, proving that mobility can be flexible, affordable and sustainable.
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