inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to prioritizing safety and fair earnings for its drivers in Nigeria. The company, known for its unique ‘name your price’ business model, shared this commitment during a roundtable discussion held in Lagos.
In his remarks at the roundtable discussion, business development representative at inDrive Nigeria, Timothy Oladimeji, stated that the e-hailing service is very much aware of the challenges confronting users and drivers, and will continue to do more to provide better services. Oladimeji explained that the company has invested heavily in technology and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to guarantee the safety of drivers as well as passengers. He also stated that the pricing mechanism is informed by different economic indicators that reflect the realities of both passengers and drivers
Speaking during the session, chief executive officer, Primero Transportation Limited, Fola Tinubu, acknowledged that the ride-hailing industry has contributed a lot in revolutionising transportation not only in Nigeria but globally.
Tinubu stated that there is a need for ride-hailing platforms such as inDrive to devise further means of ensuring the safety of its drivers or passengers. While admitting that the safety services in Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) scheme were different from those of the e-hailing platform, he urged e-hailing platforms such as inDrive to take their cue from the BRT system by deploying monitoring and emergency communication practices using appropriate technology.
Another speaker, chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Application-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos Chapter, Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez, stated that while inDrive needs to continue setting the example in their pricing and commission structures, there is still room for drivers to earn better. This would benefit both drivers and passengers amid the difficult economic conditions. Azeez disclosed that plans are underway to engage with all the e-hailing platforms to ensure a win-win situation for all stakeholders.
Engr. Adebayo Olusoji, Director, Public Transport and Commuter Services, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, commended e-hailing platforms for their transformative role in Nigerian transport. He encouraged inDrive to act on driver and user feedback to improve their services.