inDrive is poised for substantial expansion in the Malaysian market. By the end of 2024, the company expects to double its current pool of 10,000 drivers within its ecosystem.
Mark Loughran, Group President of inDrive, revealed that the app was the fourth most downloaded ride-hailing app in Malaysia last year and holds the title of the world’s second most downloaded ride-hailing app, according to Bernama.
The driving force behind this growth lies in inDrive’s unique fare-bidding system. This innovative feature allows both riders and drivers to negotiate and agree upon a mutually beneficial price.
Despite being in its early stages, Loughran believes that this system has immense potential to improve access to affordable transportation while fuelling the app’s future expansion.
In terms of coverage, inDrive now serves major cities across Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and East Malaysian cities such as Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, and Kota Kinabalu.
Beyond ride-hailing, inDrive envisions its courier and intercity services as significant revenue contributors. Diversifying their offerings allows them to capture a larger share of the market.
Moreover, inDrive’s app includes specialist services. Users can request professionals for tasks ranging from repairs, construction, and appliance installation to cleaning, pet services, tutorials, and IT support.
The company plans to continuously analyse market trends and customer feedback to enhance and expand these offerings.
As inDrive continues to grow, Loughran stated that customers can rest assured that their fare-bidding model will persist, ensuring fair pricing for all parties involved.
The company was founded in 2013 and incorporated in the United Stated and inDrive is available in over 749 cities across 46 countries today, according to its website.
inDrive fare-bidding system controversy
The fare-bidding system got involved in a controversy with the Malaysian government recently.
In May 2024, Minister Anthony Loke disclosed that the Transport Ministry has not allowed any ride-hailing service provider from implementing a fare-bidding system for passengers in the country.
The company said they have written to the Transport Ministry and are awaiting further feedback.
