- Why is Pakistan considered an important market for inDrive in general, and what factors contribute to its strategic significance?
Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world and is growing – from 2017, its population increased by almost 34 mln people (Source: The World Bank). The economic size of Pakistan is within the top-25 countries using purchasing power parity (PPP).
The country already demonstrated tremendous traction in the IT sector building several strong local tech champions, while the level of digitalization is still quite low – as per the last available World Bank data only 21% of Pakistanis had access to the internet in 2021, indicating big room for further growth. These two factors – population & digitalization growth present a unique opportunity for tech companies.
- Can you provide an overview of the key results and achievements for inDrive in 2023, focusing on relative metrics and successful campaigns?
inDrive achieved remarkable success in 2023, becoming the second most downloaded ride-hailing app globally and holding the first place in Pakistan with 6.5 million downloads. The inDrive.City to city service experienced significant growth, doubling demand and reaching 300 thousand orders in December 2023.
Regarding projects, it is worth mentioning a country-wide campaign for intercity drivers, rewarding the most active drivers with valuable prizes. The main prize was a new car and we happily gifted it to one of our drivers, while others received smartphones and fuel cards.
- Could you share insights into popular routes, customer preferences, and any notable patterns observed during the year?
The intercity travel demand in Pakistan is influenced by religious holidays, vacation seasons, and weather conditions. In December 2023, inDrive facilitated rides in over 140 cities and along 1800+ routes. The data revealed strong seasonality and varied passenger needs, guiding inDrive’s service adaptability.
- What are the main challenges for inDrive.City to city in the country? How do you overcome them?
Key challenges include awareness, pricing balance, and fraud prevention. inDrive actively seeks effective ways to reach potential users, collaborates with local organizations, and balances pricing for both drivers and customers. Enhanced fraud prevention measures are continuously implemented.
- Could you elaborate on the concept of the offline pit stops for drivers inDrive opened and how it contributes to a more localized and personalized approach, especially regarding intercity service?
inDrive established driver hubs (pit stops) across Pakistan to provide localized support and gather insights. This approach enhances operational excellence, emphasizing the company’s commitment to the market and ensuring a personalized experience for drivers.
- Are there specific features in development to enhance the convenience for passengers & drivers, and how do they contribute to overall user satisfaction?
inDrive is focused on improving service comfort for both passengers and drivers. Geo engine enhancements for driver matching, showing passenger ratings to drivers, and improving order feed are in development. Additionally, experiments with price recommendations and plans to cater to high-capacity vehicles address evolving user needs.
- How about safety in the service? What are the main safety solutions you suggest for your passengers?
Safety is a top priority for inDrive, with stringent document checks, background verifications, and a comprehensive rating system for both passengers and drivers. The app includes a safety button for quick contact with emergency services, ensuring a secure environment for all users.
- How does the economic turmoil in Pakistan impact the company and its revenues?
The economic challenges, including high fuel prices and currency devaluation, pose operational challenges. inDrive closely monitors and adapts to these factors, maintaining a focus on providing reliable services and ensuring a sustainable business model.
- How much service fee does inDrive charge its drivers?
inDrive charges a service fee to its drivers, being the lowest in the market. The company aims to maintain a fair balance between the service fee structure and the value-added services provided to drivers, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship.
- What measures does inDrive take to ensure its drivers are fairly compensated?
As mentioned before, our commission is still the lowest in the market, which in combination with fair prices for passengers, creates a substantial amount of orders for drivers, positively impacting their compensation To ensure our driving is fairly treated, we introduce many plans for them, like fuel cards, car and driver’s insurance and our monthly champion of the month reward program. Additionally, we created nationwide driver facilitation centers where drivers can rest, share, and resolve their problems and build strong bonds within their communities.
