InDrive Charges Commission Fees In Botswana

After five commission-free years in Botswana, inDrive has introduced a 10 percent driver fee on February 28th, coinciding with the arrival of competitor Bolt.

According to the company, introducing the commission charge forms part of a strategy to make further investments in Botswana, which inDrive describes as a top priority market.

“After operating without commissions for five years, this aligns with our strategic goals to provide fair urban mobility access to more customers in Botswana,” said Vincent Lilane, business development representative, at inDrive in Southern Africa.

Since its 2019 launch, inDrive has boasted a unique model, allowing users to set their own fare for rides, which drivers could accept or decline. This commission-free approach initially attracted drivers, offering a seemingly lucrative alternative to traditional taxi services. While some drivers expressed concerns, others, like a driver using the service for almost two years, accepted the commission fee, acknowledging that “they are a business too, and it makes sense for them to want to make money.”

Disagreements arose, with another driver criticizing inDrive for introducing the commission before tackling existing issues brought to their attention. “inDrive has to put a minimum on what riders can offer for rides,” he said. “Some of these rides are so cheap, and we only accept them because of desperation.”

Despite gaining popularity as a public transport alternative, inDrive’s journey in Botswana has been bumpy. Past issues include allegations of driver misconduct and pushback from local public operators claiming unfair competition.