This ride-hailing app lets drivers negotiate prices with riders. It's one of the most downloaded in the world.

Business Insider

March 2, 2026

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InDrive, a ride-hailing app that allows drivers and riders to negotiate prices, has become one of the most downloaded apps globally, ranking second in 2025 behind Uber. The company operates in 48 countries across Latin America, Asia, and Africa, where its unique pricing model has gained popularity. Unlike traditional platforms like Uber or Lyft, InDrive lets riders propose a price for their trip, which drivers can accept or counter. This flexibility has helped InDrive expand rapidly, with a December 2024 study by Oxford Economics finding that 64% of Latin American users took more rides due to the negotiation feature. InDrive’s success contrasts sharply with its challenges in the U.S., where it pulled out last year after struggling with high insurance costs and competition from Uber, which dominated 76% of the market. The company initially tested its service in Florida but faced difficulties making a profit, forcing it to increase its commission rate or improve its technology further. Despite this, InDrive’s model has proven effective elsewhere, offering drivers and riders more control over pricing while taking only about 10% in fees—significantly lower than Uber’s estimated 42%. Beyond ride-hailing, InDrive is expanding into other areas. It offers short-term loans to drivers through local banks, aiming to help them cover unexpected expenses like car repairs or medical bills. The company also partners with restaurants for food delivery, though customers must order directly from the restaurants rather than through the app. These initiatives reflect InDrive’s broader strategy to diversify its services and support gig workers in new ways. InDrive’s growth highlights a shift toward more flexible business models that empower both drivers and riders. By creating a market segment where negotiation is central, the company has differentiated itself from competitors while addressing unique customer needs. Its expansion into loans and food delivery further underscores its goal to become a comprehensive platform for gig workers, offering them financial support and additional earning opportunities. This approach not only boosts driver retention but

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Originally published on Business Insider on 3/2/2026