The Ola company logo is seen on one of its electric scooters | Photo Credit: FRANCIS MASCARENHAS
Ola has transitioned to a zero commission model nationwide following the footsteps of its rival Namma Yatri, Rapido, and Uber.
The company, on its social-media platform, said it has rolled out 30-day passes for ₹67 per day. The shift to zero commission was executed in phases, beginning with Ola autos, followed by bikes, and now, cabs, said the company in its statement.
Ola consumer spokesperson said: “The launch of 0 per cent commission model pan India marks a fundamental shift in the ride-hailing businesses. Removing commissions empowers driver partners with much more ownership and opportunity. They are the backbone of the mobility ecosystem and giving them complete control of their earnings will help in creating a more resilient and sustainable ride-hailing network across the country.”
The move follows the success of platforms like Namma Yatri, which pioneered the subscription-based model in 2023. Namma Yatri charges a flat fee of ₹25 for autos and ₹45 for cabs in cities like Bengaluru and Chennai, allowing drivers to retain 100 per cent of the fare.
Rapido, which adopted a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model in 2024, charges subscription fees ranging from ₹9 to ₹59, depending on the vehicle type and city.
Earlier this year, Uber also joined the shift, rolling out its own zero-commission model for auto drivers across India, signalling an industry-wide trend toward fixed-fee platforms that aim to improve driver earnings and reduce customer fares.
With all major players moving away from per-ride commissions, the mobility landscape in India is witnessing a structural shift —potentially reducing driver churn and improving service reliability, especially during peak hours. Whether this model proves profitable for platforms in the long run remains to be seen, but for now, the ride-hailing ecosystem is being rebuilt around drivers’ ownership and transparency.
Published on June 18, 2025
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