Ride-sharing apps are the new trend in 2023.
They provide a fast, efficient, and most importantly, enjoyable ride.
Compared to traditional cab services, a ride-sharing app allows the benefit to make the journey more interesting by sharing it with a random partner.
Plus, the services are cheaper due to the option to compare multiple rides.
The best part is that people can now generate additional income with these types of apps.
Due to this, ride-sharing apps have grown tremendously in popularity recently.
If you have decided to develop a app, it is the best decision you can make in today’s time as ride-sharing apps are going to dominate in the coming years.
In this blog, we at WDI have listed the steps to develop a ride-sharing app for you.
You will get a clear idea of what features to implement, how much budget should you allocate, and how you should go about developing the app.
So, let us begin!
What Features to Implement in a Ride-Sharing App
Developing a ride-sharing app is a little different from other apps. Here you have to ensure smooth functioning for both the driver and the rider.
So, both the driver and rider will require different features.
Here is an overview of what features you need to implement for both the driver and the rider.
| Ride-Sharing App Features |
| For the Driver | For the Rider |
| Registration | Registration |
| Rider’s information | Location tracking |
| Accept or reject ride requests | Multiple payment methods |
| Receive payments | Passengers’ profile |
| In-app communication | In-app communication |
| Navigation | Rate and review |
| Push notifications | Push notifications |
Now, let us look at these features in more detail.
Features to Implement for Driver
1: Registration
The registration feature for drivers on a ride-sharing app is an essential tool for ensuring the safety and reliability of the service.
This feature allows drivers to create an account with basic information such as their name, address, contact information, and other relevant information.
This information is then used to verify the driver’s identity and ensure they meet the company’s requirements.
Once the driver has completed this registration process, they will be able to start accepting ride requests through the app.
They can also use the app to track their progress, update their availability and profile, and access important information regarding their customers.
2: Rider’s Information
The rider’s information feature for the driver in a ride-sharing app is a great way for drivers to be better informed about their passengers.
This feature allows drivers to view the profile of the rider before they arrive, giving them the opportunity to learn more about the rider.
This information can include the rider’s name, photo, and contact information, as well as any reviews they may have received from past drivers.
Additionally, the rider’s information may include a list of the rider’s preferences, such as preferred music and temperature, and a list of any items they may be bringing along with them.
3: Accept or Reject Ride Requests
The Accept or Reject Ride Requests feature on a ride-sharing app is a great asset for drivers, as it gives them more control over their rides. This feature allows drivers to decide which rides they would like to take and which ones they would rather not.
When a rider requests a ride, the driver will receive a notification with the details of the ride. The driver can then accept or reject the ride based on their own preferences.
If the driver chooses to accept the ride, they will be able to view the rider’s profile, the pickup and dropoff locations, the estimated fare, and any other relevant information.
This way, the driver will be able to make an informed decision about whether or not to accept the ride.
The Accept or Reject Ride Requests feature also serves to protect drivers from potentially dangerous rides. If a driver feels like a ride is too risky, they can simply reject the request.
This ensures that drivers can always make decisions that are in their best interest and keep themselves safe.
4: Receive Payments
The Receive Payments feature in a ride sharing app is a great way for drivers to get paid for the rides they provide.
It allows drivers to receive payments from their passengers directly, without having to wait for their ride-sharing app to process and send the money.
The feature is easy to use and allows drivers to accept payments from anywhere, anytime. Drivers can receive payments instantly, securely, and conveniently. They can also track their payments and manage their earnings.
It is important to note that the Receive Payments feature is only available to registered drivers who have completed and passed the necessary background checks. To receive payments, drivers will need to link their bank account, debit card, or credit card with the app.
5: In-App Communication
In-app communication is a key feature for drivers in ride-sharing apps.
This feature allows drivers to communicate with passengers in real-time to provide them with updates on their rides.
Drivers can also use the in-app communication feature to answer customer questions, provide customer service, and resolve any issues that may arise during the ride.
6: Navigation
The navigation feature for drivers in a ride-sharing app is an essential component of the user experience.
It allows drivers to easily locate and navigate to their passengers’ destinations.
The navigation feature typically includes turn-by-turn directions, traffic updates, lane guidance, and other features that help drivers quickly reach their destination.
The navigation feature also helps drivers stay safe while they’re on the road. It can alert drivers to road hazards, such as construction detours, accidents, or other potential delays.
Drivers can also use the navigation feature to get an estimate of the time it will take to reach the passenger’s destination. This helps drivers plan their routes in advance and avoid getting lost or taking longer than expected.
7: Push Notifications
Push notifications are a great way to keep drivers informed and connected to their ride-sharing app.
With push notifications, drivers can get real-time updates and reminders about their trips, upcoming fares, and other important information.
Features to Implement for Rider
1: Registration
The registration feature for riders in a ride-sharing app is a simple and easy process. After downloading the app and opening it, the rider is presented with a registration page.
The rider must provide their personal information such as their name, email address, phone number, and payment details.
The rider may also be asked to provide additional information such as a driver’s license or a passport in some cases.
After the information is provided, the rider is asked to create a password and accept the terms of service for the ride-sharing app.
Once the registration process is complete, the rider can start using the app.
The rider can browse available rides, view fares, and even book rides.
Depending on the app, the rider may also be able to pay for the ride with their pre-saved payment details, or they may be asked to provide payment information for each ride.
2: Location Tracking
The Location Tracking feature in a ride-sharing app is a great way for riders to keep track of their ride’s progress.
This feature allows riders to see their driver’s location in real-time and also receive notifications when the driver is close to their pick-up location.
This feature is especially important for riders who are in unfamiliar areas or are in a hurry, as it helps them to know exactly when their driver is close to them and when they need to be ready for pick-up.
Location tracking also helps ensure the safety of riders.
Knowing the location of their driver helps to make sure that they are not being taken off route and that they are being taken to their intended destination.
It also helps to prevent drivers from taking long detours, which could result in additional charges to the rider
3: Multiple Payment Methods
The Multiple Payment Methods feature in a ride-sharing app allows riders to select their preferred payment option while booking a ride.
This feature makes it easier and more convenient for riders to pay for their ride.
Riders can choose from a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other third-party payment systems.
This way, they can select the one that best suits their needs and budget. Furthermore, riders can also save their payment information on the app, allowing them to quickly
4: Passengers’ Profile
The Passengers’ Profile feature in a ride-sharing app allows riders to add information about themselves to their profile.
This information can include their contact details, payment methods, and preferences.
It also allows riders to select their preferred language, set their home or work address, or add a profile photo.
Riders can use the profile feature to make their ride-sharing experience as seamless and comfortable as possible.
For example, they can set their preferred payment method, so they do not have to enter it every time they book a ride.
They can also enter their home or work address, so they can quickly and easily enter their destination when booking a ride.
5: In-App Communication
In-app communication is an important feature for riders in a ride-sharing app.
It allows riders to communicate with their driver and receive updates about their ride in real-time.
This feature helps to ensure that the ride is safe and that riders can stay informed of any changes or delays.
The in-app communication feature allows riders to contact their driver directly through the app.
This eliminates the need to call or text the driver, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
The rider can also receive notifications about their ride, including the driver’s estimated time of arrival, route changes, or any unexpected delays.
In-app communication also offers riders peace of mind by allowing them to check in with their driver at any time.
This helps to ensure that the ride is going as planned and that the driver is taking the best route to their destination.
6: Rate and Review
The rate and review feature for riders in a ride-sharing app is designed to provide riders with an easy way to provide feedback about their ride experience.
The feature allows riders to rate their experience from 1 to 5 stars and write an optional review. The rider’s rating and review will be visible to other riders and potential drivers.
This feature is an integral part of the ride-sharing experience as it helps to ensure that drivers are providing a safe, reliable, and positive transportation experience.
Riders are able to provide honest feedback about their ride, which helps inform other riders and potential drivers of the quality of the service.
The feedback can be used to help improve the ride-sharing experience, as well as encourage good drivers to continue providing reliable and quality service.
7: Push Notifications
Push notifications are an invaluable feature for riders in a ride-sharing app.
Push notifications are messages that are sent directly to a user’s device without requiring the user to open the app.
Push notifications can be used to keep riders informed about a variety of information related to their rides.
For example, riders can receive notifications when a driver is nearby or when a ride is confirmed.
This allows riders to plan their time accordingly and be ready for their ride
Additionally, riders can receive notifications about promotions or discounts that are available, allowing them to save money.
Development Methods For A Ride-Sharing App
There are many ways you can go about developing a ride-sharing app. Let us look at them one by one, analyze their pros and cons, and decide which one is the best.
1: Hire Freelancers
Hiring freelancers to develop a ride-sharing app can be an attractive option for those wanting to get their app off the ground quickly and cost-effectively.
Freelancers offer the flexibility of hiring on a job-by-job basis, meaning you can bring in the expertise you need when you need it.
When looking to hire freelancers for your ride-sharing app, it is important to find developers who have experience developing apps for the platform you are targeting; for example, if you are developing an app for iOS, you will want to hire developers who have specific experience with iOS and the Apple App Store.
| Hiring Freelancers |
| Pros | Cons |
| Cheap and fast | No accountability |
| Get desired developers | Security risk |
| Very flexible | Have to co-ordinate them |
2: Hire In-House Developers
When you hire in-house developers, you get complete control over the hiring and development processes.
It is up to you who you want to hire. But you will need in-depth knowledge about mobile app development to make the right choices.
You will also need to have strong project management skills to handle the entire development process.
| Hiring In-House Developers |
| Pros | Cons |
| Total control over the process | Need IT Knowledge |
| Increased Security | Must have project management skills |
| You will have to pay developers even when there are no projects | |
| Higher costs | |
| Longer development time |
3: Hire A Mobile App Development Company
By hiring a mobile app development company, you are getting complete development services in one place.
As a mobile app development company like WDI is proficient in the job, you are guaranteed excellent services.
The company already has a set project management system, which means you can focus on other important tasks.
In case you do not have any technical knowledge, a mobile app development company like WDI will guide you on how to turn your app idea into reality.
The company will prepare the scope of work document and research the best features for your app.
| Hiring a Mobile App Development Company |
| Pros | Cons |
| Get expert guidance | Higher Cost |
| More technologies | |
| The best of experts | |
| Quality Assurance |
If you do not have the technical knowledge, approaching an experienced mobile app development company like WDI is going to be the best step forward.
You get experienced mobile app developers, end-to-end hand holding, and the latest technologies.
How Much Will It Cost To Develop A Ride-Sharing App
Developing a ride-sharing app can be a complex and costly endeavor.
Depending on the feature set, design, and app platform, the cost to develop a ride-sharing app can range from $50,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The cost of developing a ride-sharing app is primarily determined by the feature set, design, and app platform.
The type of app is the first factor that affects the cost of development.
A basic ride-sharing app with basic features and functionalities will be cheaper to develop than a more advanced version.
The complexity of the app increases with the addition of features, such as in-app payments, ratings, reviews, and integration with third-party services.
These features will add to the cost of development.
The development process is another factor that affects the cost. Generally, there are two types of development process – Waterfall and Agile.
Waterfall is a linear process in which each phase is completed before the next phase begins. Agile is a more iterative approach, where each phase is worked on simultaneously.
Depending on the complexity of the app and the development team’s preference, either of these processes can be used to develop the app.
In addition, the technology used for the development of the app also affects the cost. Generally, the latest technologies are more expensive to use than the older ones.
Therefore, the choice of technology will also affect the cost.
Finally, the features and functionalities of the app will also affect the cost.
Advanced features, such as real-time tracking, in-app payments, and integration with third-party services, will add to the cost.
To know more about this, read our detailed blog on the same: How much does mobile app development cost?
Conclusion
So, these are the things you will have to do to develop a ride-sharing app.
If you do not want to go through the hassle and want a smoother way out, check out our mobile app development services.
With 21+ years of experience, hundreds of satisfied clients, and an amazing portfolio of record-breaking apps and websites, you are guaranteed nothing but excellence.
Contact WDI now to start your mobile app development journey!
