Ride-hailing is when a customer uses an app to hire a designated driver to take them wherever they need to go. The vehicle is limited to the customer and is not shared with other riders, nor does it make multiple stops (unless requested) it allows the customer to go from one place to another without any diversions along the way. In principle, it is similar to a taxi service but here the customer orders the ride from a ride-hailing platform – a third party that facilitates the service between the driver and the passenger.
Why Ride- Hailing?
The fast growth of on-demand transport has profoundly changed how we move. The past decade has seen the emergence of ride-hailing service and pushed it firmly into the focus. The conditions of the roads in major cities in Pakistan have made it impossible for people to commute without a hassle. Hence, people avoid driving themselves, as not only these roads damage the vehicles but it is also causes mental stress,
Ride-hailing is becoming a primary mode of transportation as the population is increasing in urban cities. With inflation and import duty on the highest streak, owning a personal vehicle has become difficult, hence giving ride-hailing business a great advantage and target market.
Is Ride-sharing and Ride-hailing the same?
Ride-sharing and ride-hailing refer to similar services, but there is a subtle difference:
Ride-sharing refers to a service where multiple passengers share a ride and split the cost.
Ride-hailing refers to a service where a single passenger pays for the entire ride, and the driver is exclusive to that passenger and the route and fare is mostly app generated.
Why is Ride-hailing used as a mode of transportation?
Ride-hailing is used for several reasons all over the world, including:
- Convenience: Customers can quickly and easily book a ride from their smartphone without the hassle of calling a taxi or waiting for public transportation.
- Flexibility: Ride-hailing services offer a range of vehicle options, from basic cars to luxury vehicles, to meet the needs of different customers.
- Reliability: With ride-hailing, customers have access to a large pool of drivers, reducing wait times and ensuring a ride is always available.
- Safety: Ride-hailing companies typically conduct background checks on drivers and have GPS tracking for added safety and security.
- Affordability: Ride-hailing can be more affordable than traditional taxi services, especially for short trips.
Generally in Pakistan, ride-hailing services are used for the following reasons, including:
- Commuting: A significant number of people in Pakistan use ride-hailing for their daily commute to work or school/university/college. Whereas with the increasing trend in petrol prices it is becoming difficult to afford daily commute in personal vehicles.
- Tourism: Tourists use ride-hailing to get around and explore new cities, especially in the absence of a well-developed public transportation system.
- Event transportation: Many people in Pakistan use ride-hailing services to attend events and parties, as they offer a convenient and safe mode of transportation.
- Luxury travel: Business professionals use ride-hailing services for work-related travel, as it offers a more efficient and comfortable option compared to public transportation.
- Emergency transportation: People in Pakistan also use ride-hailing services for emergency transportation, such as getting to a hospital or making it to an important appointment.
Overall, ride-hailing has become a popular mode of transportation in Pakistan due to its convenience, reliability, and affordability. A huge surge in the use of ride hailing app has been seen all over Pakistan.