The ridesharing industry is booming, and there are now more than a handful of top rideshare apps to choose from.
So, which ones are the best?
And what can startups learn from them?
Here is the list of ride-sharing companies and their apps, along with some insights on what makes them so successful.
1. Uber: The Rideshare Giant
- Android Rating: 4.2
- iOS Rating: 4.7
- Popular for: Multiple-service levels
The Uber app is one of the most popular apps in the world, based in San Francisco alongside some of the world’s biggest tech firms. They have an estimated 110 million users worldwide, and they were the first to revolutionize the transportation industry with its best ride-share service.
They describe their business model as “Uberization,” where existing service models are commoditized via mobile technology.
In recent years, companies are offering food delivery, shopping, housekeeping, and a million other services directly through apps. Uber, for example, was a pioneer when it ventured into the food delivery app segment with Uber Eats.
Driver-Oriented Features:
- A system for identifying difficult passengers (and removing them from platforms if necessary)
- Hearing-impaired drivers have special accommodations
- Depending on how many rides you provide, certain cities offer bonuses
- A driver can opt out of the carpool application, which can lead to better earnings for those who don’t want a bonus for giving more rides
Rider-Oriented Features:
- Organizing rides in advance
- Ride-share app that accepts cash
- Ridesharing between friends with the ability to split a fare
- Drop-off points for groups of riders
2. LYFT: Your Friend with a Car
- Android Rating: 4.2
- iOS Rating: 4.9
- Popular for: Affordable rates
Lyft is a car-sharing service based in San Francisco that operates in hundreds of cities across North America. The company promises to offer a memorable, affordable, and welcoming rider experience. Unlike Uber, Lyft has branded itself differently.
While Uber refers to itself as “your personal driver,” Lyft refers to itself as “your friend with a car.” This minor difference actually results in a very different experience for the driver and rider. Simply put, it created a different “culture” among its users.
There is more chatter between Lyft passengers and drivers, and in pre-pandemic times, passengers often sat in the front. People usually climbed into the back of Ubers, and conversations were less likely.
In contrast to Uber, Lyft took a different approach, and it’s paying off. Because of their loyal customer base, some believe they will eventually surpass Uber in the U.S. market.
Driver-Oriented Features:
- Driver-specific app with features tailored to drivers
- Mark the current ride as the last ride for the day so drivers do not feel compelled to accept an unexpected request
- Earn tips from riders (Uber offers this as well, but Lyft pioneered it)
Rider-Oriented Features:
- Reduced prices for shared-saver rides
- Faster requests and pickups with “One tap to ride”
- To ensure safety, drivers must undergo background checks
- “Lyft Amps” aid riders to find the ride at night, a glow-in-the-dark sign for Lyft
3. GoJek: Going Beyond Rideshare
- Android Rating: 4.5
- iOS Rating: 4.2
- Various services can be provided, such as transportation, delivery, and moving of heavy items
GoJek is a popular rideshare app that first gained prominence in Indonesia. Since then, it has expanded to four other countries and now offers a wide range of services. In addition to connecting drivers with riders.
GoJek also allows people to ride on the backs of motorcycles, delivers food and other goods from local merchants, helps customers move heavy items, and even performs a wide variety of additional tasks.
As a result, GoJek has become much more than just a rideshare app. It’s now an essential part of daily life for many people in Indonesia and beyond.
Driver-Oriented Features:
- A health insurance plan for all drivers (Uber and Lyft employees are independent contractors, so they have limited access to employer-sponsored medical plans).
- Discounts on groceries, fuel, and more as part of special promotions
- Get free training in English, business, and other life-changing skills
Rider-Oriented Features:
- Flexible payment options
- Various modes of transportation (who doesn’t love riding a motorcycle?
- Assist with shopping as well as many other tasks on a daily basis
4. Ola: The Best Ridesharing Company in India
- Android Rating: 4.4
- iOS Rating: 4.7
- Popular for: Those looking for a variety of options when traveling (rideshares, luxury rides, and car rentals)
Ola is a rideshare company that offers a variety of services to its users. In addition to the traditional rideshare service, Ola also offers the option to rent a car, hire a driver for long trips, and even travel out of town.
The company has a presence in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and other countries, making it a convenient option for travelers.
Ola also offers rideshare services for any budget, from cheaper rides with riders who share a route to luxury services. This makes it a versatile option for users who need or want to save money on their transportation options.
As a result, Ola is an appealing option for many people who are looking for an affordable and convenient way to get around.
Driver-Oriented Features:
- Daily pay is given to drivers
- Live support is available 24/7
- Drivers who don’t own a car can lease one
Rider-Oriented Features:
- Various options for travelers
- Renters’ insurance and roadside assistance
- Options for in-cab entertainment (e.g., music, videos)
5. Via- Quick, Small, and Proud
- Android Rating: 4.2
- iOS Rating: 4.2
- Popular for: Dedicated ridesharing
Founded in 2012, Via is a long-distance ride-sharing app that is revolutionizing how people get around cities. Headquartered in New York, the company has quickly expanded to 20 countries around the world.
In each of these countries, Via partners with local companies to provide efficient, affordable ridesharing services.
The app works by connecting riders with similar routes, allowing them to share a ride and reduce their carbon footprint.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, Via is also very affordable, helping users to save money on their daily commute. With its simple interface and innovative approach to ridesharing.
Via is making it easier than ever for people to get around cities without owning a car.
Driver-Oriented Features:
- Drivers can earn up to $400 in signing bonuses
- For drivers without a car who want to earn money, a “rent-a-car” system is available
- Convenient driving whenever you want
- The commission Via takes from drivers is only 10% (as opposed to Uber’s 25% fee).
Rider-Oriented Features:
- Affordability
- Faster commutes with corner-to-corner pickups
- Real-time customer support is available
- Earn free ride credits by referring friends
Rideshare apps have disrupted the traditional taxi industry and have become a staple in many people’s lives. As we move into 2022, these are the five best rideshare apps that you should download and try out.
What startups can learn from these rideshare app giants is that they all provide an innovative solution to a problem, focus on customer experience, and are constantly evolving. And if you’re a startup looking to create your own ridesharing app, take note of these top performers – there’s a lot you can learn from their success!
Scrum Digital is the best ridesharing app development company with years of experience in creating tailor-made solutions aligned with your business goals. You can also get in touch with our team to learn more about developing the best ride-sharing apps.
