List of Ride Sharing Platform in Nepal
Travelling through public vehicles in Nepal can often be a frustrating experience. The lack of reliable transportation and the crowded, poorly maintained vehicles can make for an uncomfortable and stressful journey. This is where ride sharing platforms come in, offering a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional public transportation. These platforms provide a range of advantages to the public, including the ability to easily book a ride at any time, track the driver in real-time, and enjoy a more comfortable and reliable ride.Although such ride sharing platforms are a bit costly, due to their many benefits, it’s no wonder that such platforms have become increasingly popular in Nepal and around the world. Here are some of the popular ride sharing platforms in Nepal.
1) Tootle
Tootle is the first ride-sharing service launched in Nepal in January 2017. It was the first initiative of its kind in the country and quickly gained popularity. The app was initially launched for two-wheelers such as bikes and scooties, but later on, taxi services were also added as a means of transportation. This provided a much-needed alternative to the expensive taxis in Kathmandu and attracted many customers who were looking for a more affordable option. The fares for two-wheelers on Tootle are lower compared to taxis, making it an attractive option for people looking for an affordable mode of transportation. Users can access Tootle through its mobile app, where they can book a ride by setting the destination and place of departure. The rider will then pick up the passenger from their location. The payment for the ride can be made either in cash or through Tootle balance, which can be loaded via Esewa or Khalti. However, Tootle does have some drawbacks. It does not ensure the security of passengers during the ride, and the riding experience may not always be good.
2) Pathao
Pathao is the most popular ride-sharing platform in Nepal. It was launched by the Bangladesh based company in September 2018.Pathao offers a range of services including two-wheelers and four-wheelers as means of transportation, as well as food delivery, parcel delivery, and e-commerce delivery. Pathao can be accessed via its mobile app, where users can easily book a ride by giving the app access to their location and confirming their destination. After sending a pickup request, the rider will come to the user’s location to pick them up. In terms of pricing, Pathao has a base charge of Rs. 15 for two-wheelers and Rs. 100 for four-wheelers. For every km of the ride, the cost is Rs. 25 for two-wheelers and Rs. 39 for four-wheelers, plus a rupee per minute of the ride. Payments can be made in cash or through mobile wallets such as Esewa and Khalti. Pathao also has a number of safety features, including GPS tracking of all rides and the ability for users to share their live location with others. It also offers discount vouchers, insurance policies for the safety of riders, and a refer and earn program. Over time, Pathao has gained the trust of its customers and has become one of the leading ride-sharing platforms in Nepal. With its range of services, flexible payment options, and focus on safety, Pathao is changing the way people travel in the country.
3) InDriver
InDriver is an international ride-sharing platform that was recently launched in Nepal on 25th of May 2022. It is one of the largest ride-sharing service providers in the world, currently operating in 45 countries. One of the key features of InDriver is its unique bargaining system, which allows users to negotiate the price of their ride before booking. InDriver can be accessed through its mobile app, where users can confirm their location and destination for the ride. The app provides a recommended price, but users can put up their own desired price and wait for drivers to approach with their offers. Once the negotiation is done, the driver will come to pick up the user from their location.This bargaining system provides users with greater control over the cost of their rides, making it an attractive option for those looking for more affordable transportation options. It also has insurance policies to ensure the safety during their rides. Thus, InDriver is a convenient and cost-effective option for ride-sharing in Nepal.
4) Sahara
Sahara is a ride-sharing platform launched in Nepal in 2019. It offers both two-wheeler and four-wheeler options for transportation and also provides food delivery services. Recently, it has started insurance policies for both users and riders to ensure safety during the ride. Sahara does not take any commission from the riders for the fares paid by the users. The platform can be accessed via a mobile app, where users can confirm their location and destination and the nearest rider will pick them up. Additionally, it has a cashless transaction feature through the Sahara wallet, which can be topped up via digital wallets. It also offers promo codes and referral codes for in-app rewards that can be used for future rides.
5) Taximandu
TaxiMandu is an e-taxi provider in Nepal, which was started in 2019. It initially offered taxi booking services in the city of Kathmandu but soon reached nationwide with a large pool of drivers and thousands of customers. With its focus on regulating the operation of taxis inside the valley, Taxi riders can expect faster, safer, and more comfortable rides compared to traditional public transport. It can be accessed through a mobile app and allows users to book or rent taxis based on their needs and requirements. In addition to regular taxi services, TaxiMandu also provides bookings for excursions and tourist trips. Due to its real-time fare estimation, desired payment options, and promo code for offers, TaxiMandu is gaining popularity among Nepali citizens. With its ease of use, reliability, and safety, TaxiMandu is making it easier and more convenient for people to get around. Whether you’re a resident of Nepal or a tourist, TaxiMandu can be the perfect solution for your mobility needs.