Market Trends of Global Ridesharing Industry
App-based Services Hold Major Market Share
- Application-based ridesharing services operate through mobile applications that users download onto their smartphones or tablets. These apps allow users to book rides in real time, track their drivers, and manage payments within the app's interface. The service connects passengers with drivers using personal vehicles, offering an alternative to traditional taxis and public transport. Unlike web-based services, application-based platforms focus entirely on mobile technology, providing a more seamless and user-friendly experience.
- Application-based ridesharing services have grown significantly over the past decade, driven by several factors, including increased smartphone penetration, advancements in mobile technology, and changing consumer preferences. According to Ericsson, in 2023, the global smartphone mobile network subscriptions totaled nearly 7 billion and are estimated to surpass 7.7 billion by 2028. The convenience and ease of use offered by these apps have led to widespread adoption, particularly in urban areas where demand for quick and reliable transportation is high.
- A mobile application is a reasonable solution for modifying information. When a user needs to enter required details such as time of travel, date, pick-up point, and destination, a mobile app may work as a great addition as it allows users to set preferences, create personal accounts, and keep vital information at hand.
- In developed markets such as North America and Europe, the growth of application-based ridesharing services is bolstered by a high level of smartphone ownership and robust internet infrastructure. Consumers in these regions value the efficiency and customization offered by these platforms, which often include features like ride scheduling, fare estimates, and multiple vehicle options, ranging from economy to premium cars. These markets benefit from strong regulatory frameworks that support the integration of ridesharing services into the broader transportation ecosystem.
Asia-Pacific to Register Major Growth
- Economic growth in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations has boosted disposable incomes, enabling more people to afford ridesharing services. The increasing awareness of environmental sustainability and the need to reduce traffic congestion have encouraged both consumers and governments to support ridesharing as a viable alternative to private car ownership.
- Companies operating in the region are also tailoring their offerings to meet local preferences, such as providing two-wheeler ridesharing options in countries where motorcycles are more common. This localized approach, combined with strategic partnerships and investment in advanced technologies, continues to drive the expansion of the ridesharing market across Asia-Pacific.
- In August 2024, Ryde Group Ltd, a tech firm pivotal in Singapore's mobility and quick commerce landscape, entered a partnership with Singlife, a key local financial services provider. This collaboration aims to enhance safety measures in ridesharing and offer unparalleled insurance coverage to both riders and driver-partners. Through this alliance with Singlife, Ryde Group not only boosts the value proposition for its users but also ensures peace of mind for every journey.
- The Japanese government lifted significant parts of its ban on ride-sharing services beginning April 1, 2024, allowing taxi companies to operate these services in areas and at times in which taxis are in short supply. The lifting of the ban follows the government’s adoption on December 20, 2023, of the Digital Administrative and Financial Reform Interim Report (Interim Report).