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Cab Services: inDrive Overview
Information about the ride-hailing platform inDrive in Botswana.

inDrive, a ride-hailing platform that allows passengers and drivers to negotiate fares directly, has significantly impacted Botswana's transportation sector since its launch in 2019. Here’s an overview of its presence and challenges in the country:

Key Features

  • Fare Negotiation: Unlike traditional ride-hailing apps, inDrive lets users set their price, and drivers can counteroffer or decline, promoting flexibility.
  • Expansion: Initially launched in Gaborone, inDrive expanded to Francistown in October 2024, becoming the first ride-hailing service in Botswana’s second-largest city.
  • Services: Offers city rides, intercity travel, courier delivery, and freight services.

Driver Challenges

  • Commissions: After operating commission-free for five years, inDrive introduced a 10% fee in 2024, reducing drivers' earnings amid rising fuel costs.
  • Competition: The arrival of Bolt in 2024 intensified competition, further squeezing drivers’ profits.
  • Fare Disputes: Drivers report passengers offering extremely low fares, forcing them to negotiate or request off-app payments, which inDrive discourages.

Public Reception

  • User Support: Many riders praise inDrive for affordability and convenience, especially during off-hours or bad weather.
  • Taxi Industry Backlash: Traditional taxi operators accuse inDrive of operating illegally and undermining regulated services, calling for its ban.

Safety and Transparency

The app provides driver details (name, car model, license plate) and allows real-time ride tracking for safety.

For more details on inDrive’s social impact initiatives (e.g., education and sports programs), visit their official website.