Rideshare companies like Uber & Didi have become big business in Australia in the last few years. There are millions of people who use rideshare and hundreds of thousands who are drivers making a living or some extra cash through the service.
The problem with it is that the service can get very expensive depending on demand and the power all seems to be with the service/driver and not with the rider who is just trying to get from A to B as cost effectively as possible. Imagine having a night out with friends when you are just over the limit to drive and decide to leave your car behind for the safety of everyone, only to see that a ride home is going to break your bank account. Would this lead someone to make a poor decision?
A new service has been launched in regional Australia that allow you to negotiate the price of the ride with your driver. DiDi Negotiate allows riders and drivers to negotiate and agree on a fare before the trip is accepted. This is a win/win for both passenger and driver who are both looking for the best possible outcome.
Basically you enter your destination as normal and then nominate a suggested fare for the available drivers to evaluate. From here the drivers can accept the original offer, or send a counter offer for you to consider. Once you both agree you are on your way. The fare does come with an additional 10% service fee for the use of the Negotiation service though, so decide if that is worth it in your overall purchase.
This is a service that has launched in many parts of the world, places like Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Mexico, Panama, and Peru.
But is now available in regional Australia in the following cities Ballarat, Bendigo, Bunbury, Bundaberg, Busselton, Cairns, Canberra, Central Coast, Coffs Harbour, Geelong, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Shepparton/Mooroopna, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Townsville, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong.
This could be a great way to save a few dollars for Aussies who still need to travel while experiencing a pinch from the cost of living crisis and also goes a long way to make rideshare a more even experience for both the passenger and the driver.
