In this article on Naijaknowhow, I’ll be writing about some of the best ride-sharing apps for smartphones. Getting around without a car can be difficult, especially in certain parts of the world. Thankfully, ridesharing services have become more popular in recent years.
Ridesharing and carpooling are environmentally friendly ways to travel and can even save you time by using carpool lanes. Ride-sharing apps like Uber have become very popular, and you have probably taken at least one trip using them. However, there are many other great apps to choose from depending on your location and the type of travel you want to do.
These ride-sharing apps are user-friendly and offer convenient options for transportation. They connect passengers with drivers who are available to give them a ride. By using these apps, you can easily request a ride, track the driver’s location, and pay for the trip through the app. This makes it a convenient and efficient way to get around without owning a car.
What is a Ride Sharing App?
A ride sharing app connects passengers with drivers who are willing to provide transportation services for a fee. Users can request a ride through the app, specifying their pick-up and drop-off locations, and the app matches them with nearby drivers. These services often offer features that help to provide convenience and flexibility for both passengers and drivers.
How We Evaluate the Best Apps:
We prioritise the confidence our readers place in us by conducting evaluations of the top apps on both Android and iOS platforms through extensive testing and research. We deploy humans to test and compile articles to help those who are looking for the best of the best. Our team of tech writers and a small tech community invest significant time experimenting with and using these tech products or software. As a result, we reach well-informed conclusions based on the effectiveness, user experience, and customer support offered by the apps. It’s important to note that we never receive compensation for featuring apps in our articles or for linking to any websites. You can read more about how we review apps and software on Naijaknowhow.
After a series of examinations and tests of these apps, here are some of the features you should look out for in a ride sharing app:
- Fare estimation
- Secure payment options
- Real-time tracking of the driver’s location
- User-friendly interface
List of the Best Ride Sharing Apps for Android and iOS
Ridesharing and carpooling are not only beneficial for individuals but also for the environment. By sharing rides, we can reduce the number of cars on the road, which helps reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Below is a list of recommended ride-sharing apps to help you reach your destination.
1. Uber
Uber is a popular ridesharing service based in San Francisco. The app is number one among other ride-sharing apps. It has around 93 million active users worldwide. The app is available in many countries, so you can use it even when you’re travelling.
Uber offers competitive prices and has plenty of drivers available, making it easy to find a ride. They also have a discounted carpooling option called Uber Pool, which allows you to share a ride with strangers to reduce costs. If you’re travelling with a group, you can use the app to split the fare among passengers.
Uber offers different types of rides, including standard sedans (Uber X), larger vehicles (Uber XL), luxury cars (Uber Lux), and environmentally-friendly options (Uber Green). They also have a disabled access option called Uber Assist, which provides certified drivers with vehicles that can accommodate wheelchairs or scooters.
Pros:
- Wide availability in many countries
- Competitive pricing
- Variety of ride options
- Convenient carpooling feature (Uber Pool)
Cons:
- Surge pricing during peak hours
- Occasional issues with driver availability
- Service quality can vary depending on location
- Safety concerns with sharing rides with strangers
2. Bolt
Bolt is an app that you can use to request a ride. In fact, it is one of the best taxi apps in Lagos, Nigeria. The app offers a fast and affordable way to get around. You’ll have a comfortable ride, and it won’t cost you too much. You can see the price of the ride before you order it, so you know how much it will be. Bolt is a safe option, as you can share details about your journey for added security.
You can pay for your ride inside the app using a credit or debit card, or with cash if you prefer. To request a ride with Bolt, it’s really easy. First, open the app and enter where you want to go. Then, request a driver to come pick you up. You can see where the driver is on the map in real-time. Once the driver arrives, you can enjoy the ride to your destination.
Bolt is available in more than 30 countries and over 150 cities worldwide. It used to be called Taxify but was rebranded to Bolt in March 2019. Bolt’s goal is to provide fast, reliable, and affordable transportation to millions of people around the world. So, the next time you need a ride, give Bolt a try!
Pros:
- Fast and affordable rides
- Transparent pricing
- Real-time tracking of drivers
- Available in over 30 countries
Cons:
- Unreliable price estimations
- Service availability might vary by location
3. Lyft
Lyft is a popular ridesharing app available in many cities across the United States. It is the second-largest app of its kind and is known for its pink moustache logo that used to be placed on the front of drivers’ cars. Lyft offers various types of vehicles, including regular-sized cars and larger ones called Lyft Plus.
Similar to Uber, Lyft adjusts its prices based on demand during busy times. However, if you find the prices too high, Lyft has a carpooling service called Lyft Shared (previously known as Lyft Line). This service allows you to share your ride with other passengers and split the fare, especially if you choose a larger private car.
In addition to its regular rides, Lyft provides similar options to Uber. Lyft Lux offers rides in newer cars with leather or vinyl interiors, similar to Uber Lux. Lux Black and Lux Black XL are Lyft’s premium rides available in both sedan and SUV sizes.
Pros:
- Convenient ridesharing service
- Various vehicle options
- Carpooling option with Lyft Shared
- Competitive pricing and surge control
Cons:
- Pricing fluctuations during peak times
- Inconsistent driver availability in some areas
- Possible longer wait times during high demand
- Limited availability in certain cities
4. Careem
Careem is a company based in Dubai that offers both ridesharing and food delivery services. They operate in over 100 cities and are very successful in the Middle East and North Africa. Careem is a good example for others who want to compete with Uber in their own region. They have taken the time to understand the cultures and needs of the places they serve.
Careem has focused on creating job opportunities in these countries and has also supported over 700,000 refugees through their Careem Rewards donation program. They take pride in helping their communities and making a positive impact.
For riders, Careem offers convenient features such as easy payment options and the ability to order food or ask someone to run errands for them. They also have an excellent rewards program, allowing customers to earn benefits and enjoy special perks. Careem puts the needs and satisfaction of its riders first.
Pros:
- Strong regional presence
- Cultural understanding and adaptation
- Job creation opportunities
- Community support and social impact initiatives
Cons:
- Limited availability compared to global competitors
- Potential for service quality variations
- Occasional payment errors or glitches
5. Via
Via, a company based in New York, has expanded its operations to 20 countries worldwide. While it operates under its own brand in only six countries, it partners with local companies in the remaining operating countries.
When a user books a ride using Via, they are quickly connected with other riders who are travelling along the same route. This car rideshare app is proud to help customers share rides, which not only reduces their carbon footprint but also helps them save money.
Via offers several features that focus on the needs of riders. These include affordable pricing, convenient pickups that take you directly to your destination, access to real-time customer support, and the ability to earn free ride credits by referring friends.
Pros:
- Efficient ride-sharing model
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Cost-saving for users
- User-friendly features
Cons:
- Possible variability in service quality
- Availability may be limited in certain regions
6. Bridj NSW
Bridj is a popular Australian rideshare service that offers on-demand public transport. It specializes in moving large groups of people for events, field trips, or other purposes. The entire process is managed through their user-friendly app. For drivers, Bridj provides convenient features.
These include tablet access to keep track of passenger bookings and a dedicated app for easy management. They also offer training to ensure drivers are well-prepared. On the rider side, Bridj offers convenient features as well. Riders can make payments using credit cards, eliminating the need for cash.
The app also provides walking directions to the pick-up points, making it easier to find the designated meeting spots. In addition, Bridj provides facilities like free Wi-Fi and USB charging, ensuring riders can stay connected and powered up. They also offer special access for disabled riders, ensuring everyone can enjoy their transportation experience.
Pros:
- Efficient group transportation
- Convenient driver features
- Cashless payments
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Limited availability in some areas
- Booking and delay problems
7. inDrive
inDrive is a top rideshare app used in over forty countries. What sets it apart is that passengers and drivers agree on all trip details, making it unique and popular worldwide.
One big advantage for drivers is that they can negotiate trip prices, unlike with other apps where they can’t. Plus, inDrive takes a smaller commission from drivers, so they keep more of their earnings.
The app offers features like picking your preferred driver, freedom to choose, bidding for trips, ensuring safety, and controlling rides. These features make inDrive stand out as a user-friendly and driver-friendly rideshare option.
Pros:
- Trip price negotiation
- Lower commission for drivers
- Ability to choose preferred drivers
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Limited availability in some regions
- Location errors
- Occasional glitches
8. BlaBlaCar
BlaBlaCar is an app for sharing rides with others going to the same place as you. It’s great for saving money on fuel and helping the environment. Lots of people use it because it offers different options for carpooling and bus rides.
One cool thing about BlaBlaCar is that you don’t have to be a driver to use it. Anyone with a car can offer rides, so you can find a ride quickly. You just put in where you want to go, and the app finds you the closest ride available.
BlaBlaCar has lots of features like checking out the people you’ll be riding with and making sure they’re safe. You can also book rides at the last minute and even find rides where the driver is a woman, which some people prefer. It’s a popular app that’s used by millions of people and even inspires other companies to make similar apps.
Pros:
- Cost-effective ridesharing
- Environmental benefits
- Convenient for finding rides quickly
- Enhanced security features
Cons:
- Limited availability in some areas
- Potential for uncomfortable rides with strangers
Conclusion
Ride-sharing services are convenient and efficient, and there are many options to choose from depending on your location. Ridesharing and carpooling benefit individuals as well as the environment, since they reduce traffic and pollution. So, if you want an eco-friendly and time-saving way to travel, try using any of these ride-sharing apps.
