Uber is a ride-hailing transportation company founded by Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp in 2009, with headquartered in San Francisco. The platform manages the Uber apps, which you can use to submit a trip request that is automatically sent to an Uber driver near you, alerting the driver to your location. The accepting Uber driver will then come and pick you up and drive you to your requested destination. The app allows passengers to hail a ride and drivers to charge fares digitally and get paid.
Uber works as a ridesharing company that hires independent contractors as drivers and it is regarded as one of the unique services today that contribute to the sharing economy, supplying a means of connecting existing resources instead of providing the physical resources themselves. The company The company has an estimated 110 million users worldwide.
How does Uber work?
Uber links passengers with drivers using the Uber app. Generally, the drivers own their own car. The company does also offer rental or lease on cars through third party partners like Hertz, Get Around and Fair. UberFleet is an app for those managing squads of drivers. Apps like Uber in Australia work in a similar way. Uber just like alternatives like it, offers rides under a dynamic pricing model for both drivers and passengers. Passengers needing a ride can use the app to hail a driver with an estimated price that is dependent on the destination as well as the demand at the time.
Uber incentivizes drivers to pick up more fares in peak busy hours by paying more during those times. This means that riders are charged more at busy times in order to help ensure the needed number of drivers are available. During holidays, such as New Year’s Eve, a passenger can expect to pay a high price. However, unlike with a taxi, they can expect that the price will attract a driver, as opposed to a car that might never have shown up from a taxi service.
Uber is the market leader in Australia. A trusted provider worldwide, the brand has become synonymous with ridesharing over the years and offers drivers additional means of earning income. You can also become an Uber Eats driver and do food delivery work, or parcel delivery with Uber connect and maximise your earnings through surge pricing.
Pros of Uber App
- Most widely available rideshare provider offering their services in many Australian cities
- Large customer base – little downtime between rides
- Intuitive, easy-to-use app
- Flexible – pick and choose the jobs you want
- UberPool and UberXL option – get more rides, earn more, and boost your ratings faster with a 7-seater
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Cons of Uber App
- Relatively high commission rate
- The surge pricing feature is sometimes unstable
- Compliance can be problematic – documents, incident investigation, etc.
- Strong competition due to large driver base
What Are The Best Apps Like Uber in Australia?
However if you are in need of more affordable and more convenient ride-hailing apps like Uber in Australia offering cost-effective alternatives, you can patronize the main Uber alternatives in Australia such as Ola, Shebah, GoCatch, DiDi, Bolt and InDrive. Some of these offer discounted or free rides through rewards programs, with diverse pool of drivers, tailored to your preferences and offering unique new services that operate in different regions and times. These platforms maintain strict verification and safety measures offering you vast comparison options.
1. Ola
Since its inception in early 2018, Ola, one of the best apps like Uber in Australia has made impressive strides in the ride hailing market, rapidly expanding its reach across major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, and Canberra. With a commitment to affordability, seamless fares, and top-notch rides, Ola has become a go-to choice for countless riders.
Operating on a like-for-like pricing structure with Uber, Ola ensures fair and competitive rates. Moreover, they sweeten the deal with enticing launch fare discounts whenever they debut in a new city. As if that wasn’t enough, Ola welcomes first-time riders with exclusive deals and also offers refer-a-friend credits for those looking to share the joy of hassle-free transportation. It’s our first pick on our top 6 apps like Uber in Australia.
Embrace the Ola experience and enjoy the benefits of a top rideshare service that puts affordability and quality at the forefront. Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, or Canberra, Ola is your ticket to convenient and pocket-friendly rides across Australia!
2. Shebah
Shebah takes the lead as the only all-woman rideshare company, devoted to providing safe and secure rides exclusively for women, women with children, and men traveling with kids. With a unique focus on passenger comfort and safety, Shebah application ensures a worry-free journey for its riders and wroks very similar to Uber in Australia.
Unaccompanied children can also travel with Shebah, making it the sole rideshare service with this thoughtful feature. Offering child seats and boosters when needed, Shebah goes the extra mile to cater to families traveling with young children.
Across Australia, Shebah is a reliable option for those seeking a rideshare service that prioritizes female passengers’ security and comfort. The minimum fares are set at $11.66, making it an affordable and reassuring choice for all. Experience the difference with Shebah, where your safety and peace of mind matter most. It’s our second pick on our top 6 apps like Uber in Australia.
3. GoCatch
Within minutes, the GoCatch app, another app like Uber in Australia empowers customers to book your airport travel, taxi, or private car with ease. As one of Uber’s prominent alternatives and competitors, GoCatch offers a convenient alternative for those seeking reliable transportation options without surge pricing.
Operating in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and the Gold Coast, GoCatch provides a cost-effective solution, often proving cheaper than Uber due to its absence of surge pricing during peak demand periods. Save your money and enjoy a smoother ride to your destination. It’s our third on our top 6 apps like Uber in Australia. But that’s not all – GoCatch rewards its loyal riders with exciting incentives like gift cards, adding an extra perk to your journeys. Say goodbye to waiting and surge pricing woes; hop on board with GoCatch for a seamless, budget-friendly ride experience!
4. DiDi
Our fourth pick on our top 6 apps like Uber in Australia, DiDi, a specialist in commutes, took Melbourne by storm in June 2018, and its success led to a rapid expansion to various other Australian cities. With a staggering network of over 31 million drivers and 550 million users worldwide, DiDi stands tall as one of Asia, Australia, and South America’s largest taxi-hailing services. Such is the loyalty of its users that even Uber had to merge with DiDi to enter the Chinese market. Offering both taxis and private cars, DiDi provides a versatile and user-friendly experience.
Available in 28 cities across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, and more, DiDi boasts competitive rates, approximately 10% cheaper than Uber. In Melbourne, for instance, the minimum fare starts at $7.90 (Uber’s is $8.50), with a per-minute time fare of 35 cents (Uber’s is 38 cents), and a base fare of $2.25 (same as Uber). DiDi’s distance fee stands at $1.15 per km during normal hours (Uber charges $1.21).
However unlike Uber, DiDi operates minor fees like a service fee (55 cents), a government transport levy ($1.16), and a 1.5% handling fee. Cancellations come at $6.10, whereas Uber charges approximately $8. Prices can vary depending on your location.
5. Bolt
Formerly known as Taxify, the Bolt app works exactly like Uber in Australia having undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a multi-faceted hailing service that caters to a myriad of transportation needs. Whether you’re seeking a taxi, private driver, electric scooter, or even food delivery, this platform has got you covered. Gone are the days of being limited to traditional taxis; with this innovative app, you can request a wide array of transport options at your fingertips.
6. InDrive
InDrive is our last pick for the best apps like Uber in Australia. Setting itself apart from other apps, InDrive offers an intriguing twist by allowing customers to determine the price they’re willing to pay for their ride. Once you create an account, you’ll be informed that InDrive is best suited for longer journeys, with a minimum fare of $20.
Upon booking, you’ll be presented with a list of available drivers, each proposing their own price, car, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and rating. This bid-based system empowers riders with the freedom to select the best option that suits their preferences and budget.
While the app introduces a novel concept, it’s important to note that it currently lacks alternative ride options, such as larger cars or pet-friendly services. However, InDrive’s innovative approach may appeal to those seeking a personalized and budget-friendly travel experience.
Ride Share Apps Australia
Looking for convenient and budget-friendly transportation options in Australia? Ride-share apps have revolutionized the way we travel, offering a variety of affordable and flexible rides. From well-known options like Uber and Ola to women-exclusive services like Shebah, there’s something for everyone. GoCatch provides a reliable alternative with no surge pricing, while DiDi’s vast network spans major cities. Experience the transformative Bolt app, offering more than just taxis. For those seeking personalized pricing, InDrive allows riders to set their fares. Embrace the convenience and cost-effectiveness of ride-share apps and enjoy seamless journeys across Australia!
Australian rideshare app comparison
Check out the comparison table below, courtesy of Canstar Blue and finder.com Please note that the amounts may vary depending on your state and car type.
| UberX & UberXL | Ola | Didi | Shebah | GoCatch | |
| Commission rate | 27.5% | 15% | 5%-20% (based on driver performance) |
15% | Unclear |
| Base fare | From $2 | $2.27 | $1.98 | From $3.60 | From $2.12 (economy) From $7.65 (premium) |
| Booking fee | $0.55 | $0.5 | None | $2 | From $1.50 |
| Minimum fare | $9 | $9 | $6.98 | $11.66 (instant booking) $19.16 (advanced booking) |
$6.80 – $17 (instant booking) $20 – $40 (advanced booking) |
| Cancellation fee | $10 (UberX) $3-7 (Uber Pool) |
$10 | $10 | $11.30 (instant booking) $18.80 (advanced booking) |
Estimate fee (standard booking) Minimum fare (advanced booking) |
| Waiting fee | $0.6/min | $0.3/min | $0.55/min | None | Unclear |
| Payments | Weekly | Daily | Weekly | Daily | Daily |
| Surge pricing | 8x normal fare | No | No | No | No |
Information based on company websites, as of January 2023.
Uber Review
Uber has become a household name in the ride-hailing industry, providing convenient transportation services to millions worldwide. With its user-friendly app, hailing a ride has never been easier. The app’s intuitive interface allows users to request rides, track their driver’s location in real-time, and make cashless payments seamlessly.
Uber offers a diverse fleet of drivers, ensuring that users can find rides that suit their preferences and needs. However, like any service, Uber has its pros and cons. On the positive side, Uber provides a quick and efficient way to get around, especially in urban areas with limited public transport options.
Which rideshare apps are cheaper than Uber in Australia?
DiDi is the major player in this department having cut its fares permanently by 10% in late 2018 to make it cheaper than Uber. Most other rideshares such as Ola are priced the same as Uber.
What rideshares are in Sydney?
Popular alternatives to Uber in Sydney include Ola, DiDi and Shebah.
What rideshares are in Melbourne? Popular alternatives to Uber in Melbourne include DiDi and Ola.
Conclusion
These apps listed above have affordable and convenient ride-hailing apps in Australia beyond Uber. From Ola’s affordability to Shebah’s safety focus and GoCatch’s incentives, each app offers unique benefits. DiDi’s expansive network, Bolt’s diverse transportation options, and InDrive’s customer-chosen prices add to the variety. Embrace the revolution of pocket-friendly and enjoyable rides across Australia!
