Ride-hailing platform inDrive has launched an extraordinary limited-time initiative that allows drivers in Johannesburg and Pretoria to retain 99% of their fare earnings, charging the company a mere 1% commission from 1 November to 31 December 2025. The move represents one of the most driver-friendly policies ever introduced in South Africa’s competitive e-hailing sector and comes amid mounting discontent over steep platform fees that have sparked nationwide protests.
According to the company’s official announcement, the temporary reduction aims to deliver immediate financial relief to drivers grappling with soaring fuel prices and living costs, while preserving the service’s signature peer-to-peer fare negotiation model that empowers passengers to secure affordable rides. As reported by ITWeb, the campaign underscores inDrive’s commitment to placing fairness at the heart of its operations, particularly in a market where traditional rivals routinely deduct up to a quarter of every fare.
Ashif Black, inDrive’s country representative in South Africa, emphasised that the initiative responds directly to drivers’ long-standing calls for equitable treatment. By dramatically lowering commissions for the festive season and beyond, the platform seeks to ensure that those behind the wheel benefit more substantially from their labour, especially during a period of heightened demand when earnings potential peaks.
Unlike conventional competitors, inDrive caps its standard global commission at 10.95% even outside promotional windows, a figure already significantly below industry norms. For context, Uber retains 25% of each fare in South Africa, while Bolt applies the same 25% driver commission alongside an additional 4% booking fee levied on passengers to cover operational overheads. These higher charges have increasingly drawn criticism, with drivers arguing that they erode take-home pay at a time when operational expenses continue to climb.
The limited-time 1% rate is expected to accelerate driver recruitment and retention, intensifying competition in an already crowded landscape that includes not only Uber and Bolt but also local players and emerging international entrants. Industry observers suggest the campaign could prompt rival platforms to reconsider their fee structures, potentially triggering a broader shift toward more sustainable earnings models across the sector.
Beyond financial incentives, inDrive continues to differentiate itself through transparency and user control. Its peer-to-peer system enables direct negotiation between driver and rider, eliminating surge pricing algorithms and fostering mutual agreement on fares before trips commence. The approach has resonated strongly in price-sensitive markets, helping the company expand rapidly since entering South Africa in 2022.
Recent enhancements to safety features and community-focused programmes, such as digital literacy training for elderly women, further bolster inDrive’s reputation as a socially conscious operator. As reported by BusinessTech, the combination of low commissions, rider flexibility, and robust verification processes has driven consistent growth, with the platform now operating in multiple cities and attracting a loyal base of both drivers and passengers.
With the festive season approaching, the two-month initiative arrives at a critical juncture, offering drivers the prospect of substantially higher earnings during one of the busiest periods of the year. For many, the additional income could prove transformative, covering essential expenses or enabling investments in vehicle maintenance that improve long-term reliability.
As South Africa’s e-hailing market matures, inDrive’s bold pricing experiment highlights the growing pressure on operators to prioritise driver welfare alongside passenger affordability. If successful, the campaign may set a new benchmark for commission structures, compelling the industry to adapt or risk losing talent to more generous platforms.