The ride-hailing industry in South Africa has long been defined by high commission structures, limited driver autonomy and pricing controlled by algorithms. Drivers often operate under pressure, with earnings typically cut by platform fees that can reach up to 30%, and few options to negotiate terms or choose their trips upfront.
At the same time, many communities, particularly in peri-urban and township areas, remain underserved by the industry at large. As demand for affordable, flexible transport continues to grow, both as a commuting tool and a means of income generation, new models that prioritise fairness, transparency and local inclusion are well positioned to gain ground in South Africa.
“Our goal is to build an earnings-first platform that puts people at the centre,” says Ashif Black, country representative for inDrive South Africa. “That being said, the difference between inDrive and competing ride-hailing apps is its zero-to-low commission structure that never exceeds 10%. This means that drivers retain the majority of their fare.”
With over 280 million global downloads, 888 cities served across 48 countries, and a radically different business model, inDrive is reshaping how ride-hailing works for both drivers and riders.
inDrive’s model supports flexible work, keeps more money in drivers’ hands and, as a result, contributes directly to economic opportunity across the country. As such, drivers can earn up to 30% more per ride compared to platforms that charge up to 30% commission. For ease of reference, this translates to keeping R15–R25 more on a R100 fare, which drivers retain to support their families and drive economic empowerment in the gig economy.
Towards mobility inclusion
inDrive reports positive results since arriving in South Africa in 2019, with current driver registration figures showing a notable increase (estimated 18–25%) year-on-year, particularly in newly added cities and underserved areas.
This growth reflects a wider trend toward mobility as an empowerment tool, says Black. “In a country where youth unemployment remains persistently high, flexible earning opportunities presents a major opportunity for thousands of South Africans,” he says. “Drivers using the app are earning between R3,500 to R5,000 weekly after costs, depending on demand and availability.”
He adds that, unlike other platforms where pricing is driven by algorithms, inDrive allows for direct negotiation between driver and passenger. Internal data shows that in 70–80% of trips, drivers initiate or influence the final price. “The ability to negotiate fares flips the traditional power dynamic and increases fairness, which is a significant drawcard for drivers in particular who are seeking agency over their earnings.”
The company is also expanding ride-hailing access to areas previously overlooked, having seen trip growth of 25–30% year-on-year in previously underserved communities, including Khayelitsha, Vosloorus, Soweto and Mamelodi.
In fact, South Africans are increasingly turning to ride-hailing as a complement to public transport. In Q1 2025, average usage across ride-hailing apps in the country was 11 rides per month, according to inDrive’s internal interviews and studies. That number is only expected to rise as more people demand transport that is not only reliable, but also fair.
“inDrive’s unique approach also helps improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion by allowing passengers and drivers to agree on trips based on route and availability. In this way, the platform reduces dead kilometres and optimises pick-up times,” says Black.
He adds that these “extremely competitive commission rates” and placing fare negotiations in the hands of the people who actually earn and spend the money on a trip is a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to fairness and justice for the sector. “The expanded access in underserved communities further shows that fairness and flexibility aren’t optional extras, and our hope is that the ride-hailing industry starts to follow suit.”