ICT Samachar
Ride-hailing platform inDrive has become quite popular in Nepal. On this platform, both drivers and passengers can negotiate fares.
Operating in 46 countries globally, inDrive has also given special attention to the Nepali market.
Recently, Mark Tolley, Regional Director APAC, inDrive, visited Nepal. In this context, ICT Samachar spoke with Tolley about inDrive's operations, challenges, and future plans in Nepal. Here are edited excerpts from the conversation:
Recently, there was an incident where a female passenger was harassed by an inDrive rider. What is inDrive’s stance on this matter?
From the very beginning, inDrive has embraced a zero-tolerance policy. We strongly condemn any inappropriate, illegal, or abusive actions against users. Specifically, inDrive has prioritized the safety of women.
We are continuously working to enhance the travel experience. We apologize for the incident involving a female passenger and an inDrive rider a few days ago. inDrive is a responsible company, and we have fully cooperated with the concerned authorities for an impartial investigation of the incident.
We are committed to continuously improving our service, which is one of our core values. We will work diligently to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future. Our goal is to ensure the safety of all users when they choose inDrive.
InDrive also offers some safety features. The app includes a safety button that allows users to contact our support team, the police, or an ambulance. Additionally, in emergencies, users can contact trusted individuals, for which they can save up to five emergency contacts in the app.
Passengers and riders can also share their live location with family and friends through the Share Your Ride feature. Furthermore, we have a rating system for both passengers and drivers, enabling users to make informed choices based on ratings while using inDrive.
inDrive has become a preferred choice among Nepalis. What are the reasons behind its success in Nepal?
We have observed tremendous growth in Nepal. Annually, inDrive has been growing by 30% in terms of passengers, while drivers have increased by 50–60% each year. This success has been possible due to the support of Nepali people. Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for their trust and cooperation.
When entering any market, inDrive focuses on supporting the local community. Additionally, we offer affordable and convenient services. The mobility sector in a country like Nepal has greatly benefited from innovations introduced by companies like inDrive. It has also played a role in addressing transportation challenges arising from rapid urbanization.
Another aspect is the value for money that inDrive offers. Passengers and riders can negotiate their own fares before starting the trip, which is a feature we provide. inDrive takes only 10% commission from drivers, enabling them to earn more. These features have made inDrive successful in Nepal.
inDrive focuses on a citizen- and community-centered approach. How is this reflected in local markets like Nepal?
inDrive aims to empower users through choice and control. Passengers can choose rides based on driver ratings, vehicles, and schedules, while drivers can also select passengers and accept rides accordingly.
We provide freedom to both riders and passengers, which is a principle we always promote.
Sustainability has become increasingly important in the mobility industry. How is inDrive incorporating sustainable practices?
The world is increasingly focusing on sustainability, and inDrive is no exception. We are committed to the sustainability of the mobility industry. In Nepal, we’ve introduced the ‘inDrive Comfort’ feature, which exclusively uses electric vehicles. This feature offers users a comfortable and convenient travel experience and has already been well-received by many users.
What challenges does the ride-hailing industry face in South Asia, and how is inDrive addressing them?
We’ve seen a growing demand for mobility in the South Asian region. However, this growth comes with certain challenges. As the mobility sector expands, regulations and policies are also evolving. inDrive has always adhered to local laws and actively supported regulatory efforts.
Another challenge is competition, which our peer-to-peer model has helped us address effectively. It empowers both passengers and drivers with freedom of choice.
How is inDrive leveraging innovation to address competition and enhance user experience?
Innovation is essential for every sector, especially for the mobility industry. Through our peer-to-peer model, we provide flexibility to both passengers and drivers.
inDrive has also brought innovation to its commission structure, as we charge no more than 10% commission, making us a market leader in this regard. This provides significant financial independence to drivers.
Additionally, we have focused extensively on safety features. The onboarding process for new drivers is rigorous. We also have a real-time tracking system to enhance user security.
Where do you see inDrive in Nepal in the next five years?
Five years is a long time. By then, we plan to expand beyond Kathmandu. By 2025, we aim to onboard a large number of passengers and drivers to the inDrive platform. Moreover, we will introduce features like rider insurance.
We’ve already established an office in Nepal, and moving forward, we will focus heavily on sustainability. This includes prioritizing the integration of electric vehicles into our platform.
What social responsibility initiatives has inDrive undertaken in Nepal?
In Nepal, inDrive has been working on various projects. For instance, in collaboration with the Nepal Center for Disaster Management, we are building five homes for landslide victims in Namobuddha, Kavre, one of which has already been inaugurated.
Additionally, we have partnered with the Kathmandu Marathon through the Your Peace Project, a collaboration that will continue this year. This initiative encourages citizens to participate in running events, and I will also be running myself.
