The 21st started with the boom of the internet and paved the way for a lot of opportunities. When people got new jobs and their income increased, it also made many tasks easy for all of us. Through many new advancements through the internet, the way of doing business and everyday routine chores changed significantly as the shopping process got easy with e-shopping, where you don’t need to wait in long queues and just pay off by swapping your card on a POS machine. You do not need to go to an income tax office and can file your tax return, as it can be done through the tax return app. Now, we are not dependent on the postman as we can send our messages and letters in one click through e-mail.
Among all these advancements, one of the prominent ones is ride share platforms. The idea of carpooling or ride share apps has evolved with the need to make transportation more convenient. Human nature is designed in a way that needs improvement and upgradation at every corner. The conventional way of transportation was not efficient enough to provide ease to people. Customers find it difficult to find a taxi or book a cab, as one has to go two hundred metres from his/her house to the bus stop. If it were to book a cab, the procedure would be very hectic and lengthy, frustrating the customers. The apps have empowered people to share rides with the carpool feature.
It has provided a more affordable, efficient, and convenient mode of transportation for people and, at the same time, created new job opportunities for drivers. However, as with any new technology, ride-sharing also comes with its own set of challenges. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits and challenges of ride-sharing for passengers.
Benefits Of Ride Sharing Apps For Passengers
User-Friendly Interface
Ridesharing apps have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for riders to book a ride. The app is easy to navigate, and riders can quickly book a ride by entering their pickup and drop-off locations. The app also provides an estimated fare, so riders know how much they will be charged before they book the ride. This feature is particularly helpful for people who are on a budget and want to plan their transportation expenses ahead of time.
Availability
Ride-sharing apps are available in several cities in Canada, including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary. This makes it easy for riders to find a ride no matter where they are in the country. The app also offers a variety of vehicle options, including standard rides, premium rides, and carpooling options.
Safety & Security
Safety is a top priority for the service. The app verifies the identity of all drivers and riders, and drivers must pass a background check before they can start driving for the app. The app also provides a rating system, allowing riders to rate their driver and provide feedback. This helps ensure that riders are getting a safe and reliable transportation option.
Competitive Pricing
Another advantage of the app is its competitive pricing. The app offers affordable rates for riders, making it an attractive option for people looking for a cost-effective way to travel. Additionally, the app offers promotions and discounts to riders, which can help them save even more money on their transportation expenses.
Benefits Of Ride Sharing Apps For Drivers
Flexible Work Schedule for Drivers
Another popular feature among drivers because it provides them with a flexible work schedule. Drivers can work whenever they want and earn money by providing rides to passengers. The app also provides drivers with a safe and secure platform to connect with riders. The system verifies the identity of all drivers and riders, ensuring that both parties are safe and protected.
Delivery Driver
Some ride-sharing apps also offer opportunities for drivers to work as delivery drivers. This involves transporting goods, food, or other items from one location to another. This can be a great job opportunity for those who prefer not to transport passengers but still want to work for a ride-sharing app.
Low Start-Up Cost
Another great benefit of working for rideshare apps is the relatively low startup costs. You don’t need to buy expensive equipment or rent space to get started. You need a reliable car and a smartphone, and you’re good to go.
Challenges of Ride Sharing for Passengers
Surge Pricing
One of the most common problems with ridesharing apps is surge pricing. During peak hours or when there is high demand for rides, the app increases the price of the ride. This can be frustrating for passengers who may have to pay a higher price than usual for their ride. While surge pricing is understandable from a business perspective, it can cause inconvenience to passengers. To address this issue, ridesharing apps can consider implementing a cap on fare estimates or providing passengers with more transparent pricing information.
Cancelled Rides
Cancelled rides can be frustrating for both passengers and drivers. Passengers may have to wait longer for their ride or be late for their destination, while drivers may lose potential earnings. To address this issue, ridesharing apps can consider implementing penalties for drivers who frequently cancel rides or providing passengers with incentives for waiting for their rides.
Challenges of Ride Sharing for Drivers
Maintenance Cost
Using your personal vehicle for ride-sharing can lead to increased wear and tear on the vehicle, which may result in higher maintenance costs, including wear & tear for the driver.
Fewer Perks & Benefits
Ride-sharing drivers are considered independent contractors, which means they are not entitled to benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans.
Safety & Security Concerns
Ride-sharing drivers are sometimes at risk of encountering unsafe or aggressive passengers. This includes drunk riders or those involved in illegal activities, which can be a safety concern.
FAQ
How to share M-Rides ride?
With the M-Rides app, passengers can request a ride and specify that they are willing to share it with other passengers going in the same direction. The app will then match the passenger with other riders travelling in the same direction, and the driver will pick them up in a single vehicle. Or, one can request a ride from the app by placing the desired location.
Wrapping Up
As ride-sharing has many benefits for passengers and drivers. However, ride-sharing also comes with challenges like surge pricing, unpredictable wait times, vehicle wear and tear, and safety concerns. The companies indulged in these services need to make the operations more sustainable and effective; the management of the apps must work together to address these challenges and create a safe and reliable transportation system for all.
