On-demand mobile apps are on high rise in all business industries, as they connect customers with various businesses. People prefer on-demand services, as they are flexible, convenient, cost-effective, and allow them to access business in a few clicks.
We have on-demand mobile apps in multiple business sectors like grocery, food delivery, healthcare, laundry, and rideshare. It gives businesses an established online presence and builds a reputation.
With the rise in urban population and increased workforce, rideshare apps are getting popular among people today. Live mapping, chats, alerts, notifications, payments, and seamless real-time connectivity enables an interactive and efficient ridesharing experience.
Uber and Lyft are some successful rideshare apps that have set some standards for the ridesharing experience. After their tremendous success, many rideshare apps have started booming in several countries like Lyft, Curb, Easy Taxi, Gett, Flywheel, Grab, DiDi, and more.
So, are you a business owner looking for rideshare app development? Read on for complete insights on rideshare applications, like how they work, their features, business model, and so on. Let’s get started.
How does a Rideshare App Work?
If we observe popular rideshare apps like Uber, we can understand how a ridesharing app works. The app handles the trip requests, connects the rider with the available driver, verifies both driver and passenger locations, and settles payment after the trip.
Below are the few steps involved in the rideshare app like Uber:
- Users create a trip request by choosing a pickup and dropoff location. Users can check the fare prior and pick the type of car for their ride.
- Users need to verify the entered details like pickup location and confirm them.
- Upon the user’s confirmation, the app locates the Uber driver nearby. The driver can either accept or reject the trip request. If declined, the app sends the request to the next available driver in the nearby location.
- The user needs to mention the preferred mode of payment before initiating a trip request. The platform accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, and so on.
- The rideshare app has an internal rating system that allows riders to rate their trips.
- Payment for the trip is straightforward in a rideshare app. It considers both time and distance for every ride.
Importance of UI and UX:
No one likes to handle a complicated app. Everyone wants a handy app that is easy to use with apt features. An on-demand app like a rideshare app should have appealing and attractive features to entice both riders and drivers.
A rideshare app typically contains an admin panel for managing the business, an app for passengers, and another app for drivers. You need all three app modules to work together to run a successful rideshare app.
Focus on the landing page of your app. That is where the drivers and riders interested in the service will sign up. As much as app functionalities are crucial, the look and feel of the app also play a vital part. So, make sure your rideshare app has:
- User-friendly interface.
- Elegant visual elements and graphics.
- Seamless taxi booking procedure.
Rideshare App Features:
The rideshare app consists of an
- Admin Panel,
- A Driver App, and
- A Rider App.
Now, let us first check the features of the rider app.
Basic Rider Features of Rideshare App:
The rider or passenger features of a rideshare app should include the following features mandatory:
1. Registration:
The user has to sign up with their email or social media login to access the app. Phone number verification should be a vital part of the registration process.
2. Taxi Booking:
The user has to book a taxi by entering the pickup and dropoff address. Also, users should be able to choose their preferred car type.
3. Driver Tracking:
The passenger should be able to track the driver through the integrated map of the app.
4. Fare Calculator:
The rider has to view the approximate bill of the taxi ride before starting their journey. It can be a challenging task for the development team.
5. Mode of Payment:
Accepts various digital payments from passengers through PayPal, credit cards, and other types.
6. Push Notifications:
Sends updates to the riders informing the booking status, arrival time, offers, deals, discounts, and other essential information.
7. The Review System:
It allows the passenger to rate the service of the driver at the end of the ride.
8. Instant Messaging:
It enables the rider to communicate with the driver through the rideshare app itself.
9. Usage History:
The user can see the ride history, payment history, and other app usage statistics.
10. Customer Support:
Encourages riders to seek help from customer service when they encounter difficulties or challenges.
Advanced Rider Features of Rideshare App:
Other than the basic features, implementing advanced features will make your app stand out. Plus, these features will enhance the user experience. Here are some cool features that you can add to your rideshare app:
- The driver instantly discovers the rider’s location and sets it as the pick-up location.
- Enable the users to cancel the ride after a specific time of placing a trip.
- Allow the riders to check the position of all nearby cabs within the app.
- Splitting and sharing the payment for the ride among a group that boards the ride.
- Riders can schedule a ride on the app by just selecting the time and location of departure.
- Enabling voice command for booking a ride on the app platform.
- Include a panic button inside the app. It will be handy in case of any emergencies and ensure a safe platform for riders.
- Allow riders to book a taxi ride for their friends and family.
Basic Driver Features of Rideshare App:
Some features you have developed for the rider application can be of use for the driver app also. Features like instant messaging, push notifications, login functions, and access to support are typical for driver apps too. Furthermore, the development structure remains the same for both apps. Though there are many features common for both rider and driver apps, some exclusive driver features include:
1. Profile & Status:
It is mandatory to verify the background details of every driver on your platform. Admins must cross-check vehicle papers, driving license, insurance, and other documents. Plus, the driver’s profile status should show whether the driver is available or on a trip.
2. Trip Alert:
The trip alert indicates the driver about the trip once the rider books a trip. The app should give options to the driver to either accept or reject the ride based on the circumstances like location, time, and more.
3. Navigation:
The navigation feature allows the driver to find the fastest route to the destination. Furthermore, it enables the driver to choose the best path, depending on the prevailing traffic conditions.
4. Driver Statistics:
It is crucial to include driver statistics in the app. It handles data like the number of completed trips and earnings. It acts as a handy guide to the drivers for a quick reference.
Advanced Driver Features of Rideshare App:
Below are some of the advanced features that can benefit drivers using the rideshare app:
1. Preferred Destination:
The feature enables the riders to select their preferred destination. So, drivers will get more orders for the specific location.
2. Rewards:
The users can offer rewards and credits to drivers who achieve more customer ratings, the number of completed trips in a month, and the likes.
3. Waiting Time:
Waiting time is crucial to avoid late arrivals for pickup. This particular feature enables drivers to charge additional fares from riders who fail to keep up with the time.
4. Forward Dispatch:
It allows drivers to accept additional trips even before completing the current ride. Thus, drivers can plan their entire trips and be more productive.
Admin Panel Features to manage Platform Administration:
An admin panel is a crucial part of an on-demand rideshare app. It allows app owners to manage and control the transactions between riders and drivers. Here are some of the features your admin panel must include for functioning as an optimal rideshare app.
- Features to manage passengers and drivers.
- Handling locations and charges.
- Options to check driver ratings and rider reviews.
- Managing Push notifications.
- Administering vehicles.
- Support functions for both drivers and riders.
- Integration of platform analytics.
- Administering coupons, discounts, and promotions.
Technologies Needed for Building a Rideshare App:
Other than the features and functions we discussed above, here are some technical aspects that you will need in a rideshare app.
1. Geolocation:
Since a rideshare app demands navigation and mapping technologies, you will need Geolocation technology for that.
Some functions of geolocation include:
- Determine the location of the user device through the Google API locators and CoreLocation framework for Android and iOS devices.
- You can leverage Google Maps to implement maps for both iOS and Android platforms. Plus, you can buy map services from other mapping application providers.
- Using MapKit and Google Maps APIs can provide precise directions for drivers using iOS and Android devices.
2. Push Notifications:
Push notifications are crucial for any on-demand mobile app, needless to say, about the rideshare app. Push notifications facilitate real-time communication between the drivers and riders. The app needs to inform both riders and drivers about booking, acceptance, and cancellation of orders. Thus, you would need to integrate push notifications into your app.
Though coding for geolocation and push notifications is challenging, you can implement them using Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS). With BaaS, you can reduce the coding significantly.
3. Text Messages:
Apart from push notifications, including Text messages/SMS features in your rideshare app is a good idea. Users may miss important messages because of poor internet connectivity. In that case, SMS comes in handy to inform the users.
4. Payment Integration:
Payment integration is inevitable in any rideshare app. It allows riders to pay for the ride directly through the app. Enable users to pay through various modes by accepting all major credit cards in addition to other payment options like PayPal. Financial policies tend to vary from one country to the other. Thus, make sure you read all those before integrating payment gateways into your app.
Revenue Model for a Rideshare App:
A rideshare app can generate revenue primarily from drivers and passengers. The revenue streams for your rideshare app can be:
- Commission from the drivers
- Ride charges from the riders
- Cancellation charges from the customers
- In-app advertisements
Final Thoughts:
With more and more people preferring taxi services to avoid driving in traffic and sharing the ride cost with fellow passengers, the rideshare app can be an excellent way to make money.
It connects the drivers and riders across the city and enables the drivers to get rides and customers to enjoy a hassle-free travel experience. With Uber setting the trend, many apps are following its footsteps and serving worldwide.
So, no doubts, the rideshare app is a big business that won’t let you down. All you need is a reputed and experienced on-demand mobile app development company for your rideshare app development.
Cypherox Technologies is one of the leading mobile app development companies, offering app development for years. Our team of experts has hands-on experience handling various on-demand apps for multiple business services. We can help you take forward your rideshare app development into reality. Feel free to reach us.
