inDrive, the international taxi‑hailing platform, has clarified that its core price‑bidding system remains unchanged, while it has added a new “One Click” feature that lets riders bypass the bidding step when they need a quick ride.
Key points
- The company says the bidding model is still active for its Ride and Comfort services.
- One Click was introduced quietly to give time‑pressed users an instant‑price option.
- Prices shown under One Click are typically 40‑50 % higher than the recommended fares in the basic ride category.
- Timothy Oladimeji, inDrive’s Country Representative for Nigeria, noted the change aims to balance rider affordability with driver earnings.
What is the One Click option?
The newly launched One Click function appears as a separate button in the app. When selected, it automatically generates a fare based on the platform’s internal calculations, eliminating the need for the rider to propose a price and wait for driver responses. Users who prefer to negotiate can still tap “Ride” or “Comfort” to engage in the traditional bidding process.
How does the traditional bidding model work?
In the standard Ride and Comfort modes, a passenger enters a fare they are willing to pay. That offer is broadcast to all nearby drivers, who may accept it or reply with a counter‑offer. The rider then reviews the responses and selects the most suitable driver‑price combination. This peer‑to‑peer negotiation gives both parties direct control over the final price.
Why did inDrive add One Click?
According to a spokesperson speaking with Technext, the company did not overhaul its pricing structure overnight. “Our model is the same. We didn’t change overnight. We just introduced the One Click option, which lets you skip bidding if you are in a hurry,” the representative said. The rationale is to cater to customers who find the bidding process time‑consuming, especially in congested urban areas.
What are drivers saying?
Some drivers appreciate the higher fares associated with One Click, arguing that the feature helps offset rising vehicle‑operating costs. Others fear it may erode the affordability that originally attracted riders to the platform. The debate mirrors earlier concerns raised after Uber exited the Nigerian market, when inDrive emphasized its bidding model as a competitive advantage.
Does the new feature replace the bidding system?
InDrive insists the answer is no. The One Click service is presented as an additional choice rather than a replacement. Riders can still negotiate fares under Ride and Comfort, and the company maintains that the dual‑option approach “gives you the best of both worlds.”
Overall, the introduction of One Click reflects inDrive’s attempt to balance speed, price transparency, and driver earnings in a market where economic pressures are mounting for both passengers and operators.