Fair, locked fares
The fare you see before you book is the fare you pay. It does not change based on demand, weather, or the time of day.
Why no surge?
Other apps apply surge pricing during busy periods. We believe that is when people need rides most, and making a trip unaffordable at 11 PM is not a safety outcome we are willing to create.
Ryde drivers earn through a driver-first model: a flat weekly subscription or a low per-trip commission. Their income does not depend on surge, so there is no reason to charge you more at peak times.
How fares are calculated
Fares are based on:
- Base fare: a fixed starting amount
- Distance: per kilometre on the actual route driven
- Time: a small per-minute rate for traffic and slow sections
- Category: standard or premium
The estimate shown before booking uses the expected route and typical traffic. The final charge is based on the actual trip. If the driver takes a significantly longer route without a valid reason, you can dispute the fare.
No hidden fees
There are no booking fees, airport surcharges, or cancellation charges for trips cancelled within the grace period. What you see is what leaves your M-Pesa.
Fare disputes
If the final fare looks wrong, go to Activity > Trip > Trip issue and describe what happened. Approved refunds go directly to your M-Pesa.
