In a welcome development for ride-hailing app users grappling with steep fares, Careem has introduced a new service called “Flexi Rides,” allowing both customers and captains to determine their “preferred” fares.
Currently, most ride-hailing platforms in Pakistan operate on a system of “variable fares,” which fluctuate based on factors like the time of day, traffic conditions, and other variables, often resulting in disproportionately high costs for customers.
Flexi Rides aims to revolutionize this by giving customers and captains greater control over the fare-setting process. Upon booking, customers will see an initial fare estimate, enabling them to adjust the price as needed. The bid will then be sent to multiple captains in the vicinity, who can either accept the offer or propose a counter-bid.
Once a mutually agreeable fare is reached, a captain will be assigned, and the journey can commence.
This service, launched initially in Islamabad and Rawalpindi by Careem, is available in three categories: Flexi GO, Flexi GO Mini, and Flexi Bikes. Following successful testing in Faisalabad and Multan, where it received positive feedback from both customers and captains, the service is poised to expand to other cities, including Karachi and Lahore.
Imran Saleem, General Manager Ride Hailing at Careem Pakistan, described Flexi Rides as an initiative to provide customers with the flexibility to determine their own fares. This move is particularly significant as ride-hailing apps continue to serve as a practical and cost-effective transportation alternative for the public, especially given the challenges posed by soaring fuel prices in the midst of the country’s economic challenges, including a depreciating local currency.
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