February marks the great return to university, college and work, when students and professionals want peace of mind that they’re getting to and from school safely, and workforces want nothing more to avoid the dreaded “you’re late again” speech from their employers.
Reliable, safe and affordable transport is a longstanding stress for generations of students and workers and affects everything from school attendance and workplace punctuality to household budgets and stress levels. For many, finding a transport option that meets all these needs can be challenging.
Amid these stressful decisions and lack of safe, affordable and efficient options, ride-hailing platforms like inDrive are emerging as a practical choice for tertiary students and working commuters across the country.
Safety and peace of mind for students and families
For tertiary students who commute daily to campuses, residence, libraries, internships or part-time jobs, transport reliability plays a critical role in academic success and personal safety. While many rely on taxis, buses or long walking routes, verified and trackable ride options provide greater visibility and reassurance.
Ashif Black, Country Representative for inDrive South Africa, says: “Our goal is to make every journey safer for all commuters, especially students and young adults navigating busy urban environments. Verification, tracking and transparency help parents feel confident in the choices they make for their children.”
These tools allow parents to monitor trips in real time, share ride details with trusted contacts, and access safety features such as SOS alerts and in-app guidance. This supports safer commuting for students while easing concerns for families.
Back to work: Reliability and affordability for commuters
According to the latest General Household Survey, nearly a quarter of South African workers walk to work, while the majority rely on taxis and buses. With these options often overcrowded, irregular and costly, daily commuting remains a challenge, highlighting the need for more affordable and reliable solutions, such as ride‑hailing.
Platforms that combine live estimated arrival times, verified drivers and, in inDrive’s case, fare negotiations, give commuters more predictability. “Driver training and consistent service standards are key,” says Black. “From professional conduct to safety protocols and ETA updates, commuters can rely on these platforms to get to work safely and on time.”
Negotiated fares also allow commuters to plan their travel budgets, giving greater control over monthly costs compared with variable public transport expenses.
Across both campus and work commutes, safety, reliability and affordability remain key priorities in 2026 as it has always been. With ride-hailing platforms that provide verified drivers, real-time tracking, transparent fares and safety features, South African commuters have the tools they need to navigate their daily journeys with less stress, greater punctuality and a better sense of control over daily routines, particularly in a country where transport challenges are a daily reality.