In the era of intense pollution and increased congestion on our roads, ride sharing has become a favorite alternative for desperate commuters who do not want the stress of driving on the busy roads, nor want the inconvenience caused by public transport. Ride-sharing not only provides a convenient and cost-effective mode of commuting but also it is easily available. The positive attitude embraced by commuters towards ridesharing has created a need for ride-hailing platforms whereby commuters can easily offer or accept rides with other commuters going in the same direction. If you are a keen fan of ridesharing and want to do your bit for the environment but make a bit of money too for your efforts then investing in a taxi booking software is the perfect venture for you.
Let’s get to know a few facts about ride sharing before we get on headlong into the business side.
THE IMPLICATIONS OF RIDE SHARING
Ride sharing is a concept whereby the car owner/driver picks up one or more passengers who want to go in the same area as the owner/driver. The other passengers contribute a nominal amount to cover fuel, wear and tear and parking costs to the car owner.
Ride-sharing is actually a very economical and convenient mode of travel for a lot of people.
The process of a successful rideshare
- Driver updates the travel route/destination, as well as available seats, on the app so that potential carpoolers can decide if they can ride share with him or not, along with the fares.
- Passengers search for drivers going in the same direction as them
- Passenger gets in touch with the driver who is taking the route the passenger wants to go on
- Driver picks up the passenger at the pre-agreed location point and drops them at their destination.
- Payment is automatically made via the app once the rideshare is complete.
- The driver gets his fuel etc expenses paid
- The app owner gets a percentage commission for every passenger who had the pleasure of a successful ride-sharing experience via the app.
This way the passenger can enjoy a ride in comfort whilst the driver gets his fuel and maybe more, paid for – a mutually symbiotic relationship.
Advantages of carpooling
- Eco-friendly
- Social networking
- Economical
- Hassle and stress-free
- Time efficient
Ride sharing – a viable concept with the current economy
Before making the investment in a ride sharing app, you first need to identify a gap in the market in line with the present economy. If you have an idea ready for launch then do some market research and address the key issues in your ride-sharing application. Listed below are a few important points that you need to address before taking the plunge.
Segment identification
The first point you need to consider those ride-sharing giants like Blabla and Uber are already ruling the roost. They are already addressing specific segments. However, these segments will get which in turn leads to market saturation. It is therefore of immense importance that you identify your segment and work on developing it in a bid to attract clients easily. Do not follow what the established ones are doing already as their ideas have already been successfully tried and tested.
Ride Classifications
It is important to categorize your rides for maximum client reach.
Long Trips
This category can include long trips like from one city to another or one country to another if you in the Eurozone. This way, new users can use services comfortably whilst choosing a specific ride.
Trips within the city
This service is beneficial to commuters who travel the same route day in day out. This way both drivers and passengers are sure that they get a rideshare every day. Not only that, both will become familiar with each other if they continue using the same ride share over time.
Be smart whilst choosing your business model
The success of your business will depend on the how good your business model is, which in turn will have an impact on your marketing strategy. Check out the different models and then decide on your own modus operandi. Important elements like distribution channels, cost structure, key partners and resource elements need to be identified for the long-term planning of your business.
Market Strategy Planning
Once you have finalized the business model and decided on the type of ride-sharing services you want to offer, you then need to decide on your marketing strategy.
With the current volatile market, it is important that you understand and explore the market properly before launching your own carpooling services. It is important to check out what your competitors are doing and how you can get ahead on them in the game.
Necessary features of a ride-sharing app
Search – Allows users to search for a driver going to a similar direction to the one they want to go
ID Check – A one-time password system to ensure that there are no fake users
Ride tracking system – Users can track the driver and also may be able to get information on other passengers traveling with them
Emergency services – An emergency call button will link the user directly to the police station.
User history, ratings and reviews – Both the driver and the user will have access to their ride-sharing history. The rating and review system will allow room for improvement in the system whilst allowing all users to screen each other based on the ratings given by others.
READY FOR LAUNCH
Many countries around the world have embraced this wonderful concept in a bid to reduce carbon emissions. Carpooling or rode sharing as it is also called offers a win-win situation to both the driver. As well as the passengers at both ends up with savings at the end of the day.
All you now need to do is check out the various taxi booking software available in the market and choose the best for your business. Worry does not as ridesharing is the future of our world and therefore you will be successful.
