In an unparalleled move to uplift the driving conditions of the ride-hailing community, inDrive, a global leader in mobility and urban services headquartered in California, USA, has generously distributed top-notch car seat covers across Africa.
Representing an investment of over 7 million million rand, this initiative underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to the drivers and passengers that constitute the backbone of the gig economy, according to the information from the company. South Africa, being a crucial market for inDrive, has seen extensive distributions in major cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban.
The local driver community has greeted this initiative with much enthusiasm, acknowledging the step as a significant booster to the comfort and aesthetics of their vehicles, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing passenger experiences.
“Our goal is not only to provide a platform for mobility but also to ensure that every ride taken is a comfortable and safe experience for both drivers and passengers,” commented Vincent Lilani, Business Representative at inDrive Southern Africa. “Africa, and South Africa, in particular, is an essential part of our growth journey. We’re committed to continually invest here, ensuring our partners feel valued and supported.”
As ride-hailing emerges as a dominant sector within the gig economy, especially in African urban centers, measures like these by inDrive create a ripple effect, indirectly boosting passenger confidence, elevating the overall brand image, and providing tangible support to drivers, many of whom use their personal vehicles for work.
This initiative is just one of the many steps inDrive is taking to strengthen its foothold in Africa and ensure a mutually beneficial relationship with its driver-partners, according to the information from the company. “The company is keen on making further inroads into the continent, ensuring that urban mobility remains a seamless experience for all,” it said.
“InDrive remains unmatched in its commitment to drivers by offering the lowest commissions in the market. Such initiatives, combined with the Safety Pact, spotlight the company’s unwavering dedication to both its drivers and passengers, ensuring they feel valued and secure,” inDrive stated.
In a related development, inDrive today announced the introduction of its ride-hailing service in Lesotho, in line with the company’s ongoing expansion in Southern Africa.
“Unlike conventional ride-hailing apps, inDrive permits drivers and passengers to determine their own fares, rather than complying with prices set by algorithms. Passengers can describe their trip and suggest a fare, while drivers may accept, decline, or make a counteroffer without any penalties. The decision can be made by considering factors like the fare amount, car type, estimated arrival time, and driver ratings. Drivers are able to select profitable and convenient requests,” the company said.