Mark Loughran, President and Deputy CEO of inDrive, a fast-growing ride-hailing and urban mobility platform with a unique peer-to-peer pricing model, is driving the company’s mission to challenge injustice and empower communities through fair and transparent services. In a conversation with ApEx, he discusses inDrive’s expansion into Nepal, the company’s distinctive approach to mobility, and its long-term vision for empowering riders and drivers alike.

What is inDrive, and how did this concept arise?

inDrive is a global urban mobility service committed to challenging injustice and creating positive social impact. With a presence in 48 countries and 888 cities, inDrive has completed over 6bn rides since its inception. The idea for inDrive emerged during a harsh Siberian winter around New Year’s Eve. As temperatures plummeted, local taxi companies drastically increased their fares—some by two or three times the usual rate. This sudden surge left many residents stranded, unable to afford transportation to visit friends, family, or get to work. 

In response, people began reaching out to one another directly, arranging rides amongst themselves. A simple concept was born: peer-to-peer ride-sharing based on mutual agreement and fair pricing. What began as a community-driven solution quickly grew in popularity, spreading from a few individuals to thousands across the region. Seeing this grassroots movement, Arsen Tomsky, the visionary founder and CEO of inDrive, transformed this idea into a digital platform. His goal was simple yet profound: to create a service where people, not algorithms or monopolistic pricing models, decide the cost of their rides.

Today, inDrive continues its mission to fight against inequality in urban mobility, empowering both passengers and drivers with the freedom to negotiate fair fares and access safe, reliable transportation. From its humble beginnings in one of the coldest cities on earth, inDrive now serves millions of people worldwide, standing as a testament to the power of community-driven solutions and social justice.

What makes inDrive unique and what is its mission?

At the heart of inDrive’s mission lies a commitment to combating injustice and promoting freedom. Unlike other ride-hailing platforms, inDrive empowers both passengers and drivers with genuine choice and transparency, key elements that set us apart from the competition. One of the most distinctive features of inDrive is the freedom to negotiate fares. When you open the app, you don’t just see a fixed price—you see a recommended price, and then you decide what you want to pay. That’s right, you can enter the fare that you think is fair, and it doesn’t stop there. On the driver’s side, they don’t just get a ride request with a vague destination and a hidden fare; they see exactly where you are, where you want to go, and the fare you’ve suggested. This level of transparency is rare. On many competitor platforms, drivers often have no visibility into the fare or even the destination before accepting the ride. They are forced to accept the next ride blindly, with little room for choice or negotiation. 

At inDrive, however, drivers can see multiple passenger bids, giving them the freedom to select the best option for their time and route preferences. From the passenger’s perspective, the benefits are just as clear. You don’t just pick the next available car—you get to see multiple driver offers, complete with driver ratings, vehicle details, and proposed fares. This means you have the power to choose a driver based on what matters most to you—whether it’s the quickest arrival time, the lowest fare, or the highest-rated driver. We’ve noticed that some passengers are happy to wait a little longer for a cheaper ride, while others prioritize speed. That’s the beauty of freedom of choice, and it’s entirely in your hands. 

Another critical difference is our platform commission rate. inDrive charges just 10 percent, allowing drivers to keep 90 percent of their earnings. Not only does this enable drivers to earn more fairly, but it also contributes to lower ride costs for passengers. To add to this, passengers pay drivers directly upon completion of the ride—no waiting periods or hidden deductions. In contrast, many global competitors take 20 percent, 30 percent, or even more in commissions, impacting both driver earnings and passenger costs. In summary, inDrive is driven by three core principles: fair pricing, freedom of choice, and fair earnings for drivers. We believe that mobility should be just, transparent, and empowering for everyone involved.

Since inDrive is built on a people-centric and community-based approach, how do you ensure that this philosophy resonates effectively with local markets, particularly in a country like Nepal?

inDrive’s community-focused and people-centric approach is a core part of its identity. But instead of simply ‘making sure’ it resonates with local markets like Nepal, it’s more about how we operate and uphold those values consistently. Our growth and market leadership in Nepal speak volumes—being the number one ride-hailing service with a significant market share reflects that people recognize and appreciate our unique model. 

The key differentiator is not just about competitive pricing and freedom of choice for passengers. It’s also about fairness and economic impact. Drivers with inDrive keep 90 percent of their earnings, which directly contributes back to Nepal’s economy. Unlike competitors that take 20-30 percent of driver income, effectively removing that capital from the local community, inDrive’s model ensures that money stays and circulates within Nepal. This creates a ripple effect of positive economic contribution, empowering local drivers and enhancing community growth. Looking forward, we hope more passengers understand that choosing inDrive is not only about convenience but also about supporting local communities and contributing to a fairer economic ecosystem. It’s about fairness, empowerment, and real impact.

Could you please share the primary goals of inDrive in Nepal? Additionally, what new initiatives or launches can we expect from inDrive in the next five years?

Currently, there is nothing specific to announce, but to provide a broader perspective, let’s look at what inDrive has been doing in other countries. At the moment, inDrive operates in just three cities in Nepal. However, there is a clear demand for improved mobility services in other cities as well. One of the first major steps you can expect is inDrive’s expansion to more cities across Nepal. As seen in other markets, after expanding to additional cities, inDrive often introduces intercity rides, linking these cities to facilitate longer-distance travel. This service is particularly advantageous for negotiations, where both drivers and passengers benefit from fair and transparent fare discussions for long-distance trips. Looking beyond just city expansions, inDrive is likely to explore broader delivery services in Nepal. This is a strategy they’ve successfully implemented in other countries, and it aligns with their goal of enhancing accessibility and convenience for users.

Moreover, inDrive has been pioneering financial services for drivers in select markets. Starting in Mexico and now available in five countries, this initiative addresses a major challenge for drivers: access to fair credit. Many drivers struggle with credit ratings, making it hard for them to secure loans. inDrive has innovated by using drivers’ riding and driving history to collaborate with credit rating agencies and lending institutions, allowing drivers to borrow money at fair rates. Repayments are structured to be manageable, deducted gradually from their earnings. This service has been instrumental for drivers facing emergencies like car repairs, medical expenses, or even educational costs for their children—key reasons drivers seek financial support. While this service is yet to reach Indonesia, the plan is to expand it further, and it’s highly possible Nepal could be a part of that future vision. Expanding mobility, delivery services, and financial support would not only elevate inDrive’s presence in Nepal but also contribute to economic opportunities for drivers and enhanced services for passengers.

As sustainability becomes an increasingly crucial aspect of the transportation industry, what is inDrive doing to incorporate sustainable practices into its operations?

First and foremost, the foundation of inDrive’s service model is built around the concept of resource sharing through ride-hailing and ride-sharing. By promoting shared rides, we contribute to a reduction in the number of cars on the road, which in turn helps to decrease emissions and lessen environmental impact. Personally, in the last country I lived in, I didn’t own a car and relied solely on ride-hailing services. This demonstrates that ride-sharing platforms can effectively support sustainable urban mobility by optimizing vehicle use and minimizing unnecessary congestion. 

Additionally, as electric vehicles (EVs) become more accessible—not just in terms of purchase but also in terms of operation, with the development of necessary charging networks-our commitment to sustainability strengthens. In line with this, last year we launched a Comfort Class that includes EVs. As the EV infrastructure continues to grow and the number of EVs on the roads increases, we plan to introduce a dedicated class exclusively for electric vehicles, actively encouraging their use among both drivers and passengers. These initiatives reflect inDrive’s broader vision to contribute positively to environmental sustainability by embracing modern, eco-friendly transportation solutions.

Can you share some impactful and CSR projects that inDrive has been doing in Nepal?

At inDrive, our commitment goes beyond redefining mobility; it’s about redefining the very principles of business to create a lasting, positive impact in the communities where we operate. Our business model is deeply rooted in challenging injustice and promoting fairness—not just for our passengers and drivers but for society as a whole. This commitment is embedded in our belief that businesses should not only focus on financial strength and value for investors but also actively contribute to the well-being and development of communities. We call this approach ‘reinventing capitalism’, where growth and profitability go hand in hand with community empowerment and social responsibility.

Globally, inDrive’s impact initiatives are led by our dedicated inVision team. This team spearheads projects across four core areas: education, sports, arts, and technology. Through various programs, we are empowering individuals and communities by providing them with resources and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. One standout initiative is the ‘Free for Use University’ launched in Kazakhstan, one of the first countries where inDrive expanded. This groundbreaking program provides a full university education for children from deprived areas who would not have had the opportunity to pursue higher education. The curriculum not only covers academic subjects but also includes entrepreneurialism, community support, and social impact training. By investing in education, we aim to create future leaders who can drive positive change in their communities. 

Our commitment to sports is another pillar of our global impact. We recognize that sports instill discipline, teamwork, and confidence in young people, contributing to better educational outcomes and healthier lifestyles. Around the world, we support sporting events and facilities, understanding that these investments shape stronger, more resilient communities.

Here in Nepal, inDrive’s commitment to community impact is evident through several key projects. We began with vital support for disaster relief, aiding in rebuilding homes and assisting families affected by natural disasters. Recognizing the need for sustainable community support, we are now on the verge of launching the ‘Ride to Donate’ program. This initiative will channel a portion of the fare from every third ride into a fund dedicated to enhancing sporting facilities in schools across Kathmandu. We believe that investing in sports for children not only improves health and education outcomes but also builds community spirit and opportunity. inDrive is also a proud supporter of the Kathmandu Marathon, an event that brings together athletes, communities, and our own driver partners. Beyond just sponsorship, we encourage our drivers and their children to participate, promoting health, well-being, and community engagement.

Technology and entrepreneurship are key to Nepal’s development, and inDrive is proud to sponsor the ICT Awards, which recognize innovation and excellence in the tech sector. For the past two years, we have supported this event, which typically takes place in December. We also encourage female entrepreneurs to participate in the global ‘Aurora Tech Awards’, a program that supports and mentors women in technology. Our goal is to see more Nepalese representation in these global programs, offering them a platform to shine on the world stage.

Art has the power to inspire, challenge, and drive change. Our ‘Alternativa’ program supports filmmakers and artists, providing them with mentorship and a platform to share their stories globally. A powerful example is the Nepali film ‘Devi’, which was a finalist in the program. This impactful film has not only sparked important conversations in Nepal but is also being showcased internationally to influence policymakers. Choosing inDrive is about more than just good service and fair pricing; it's about supporting a company that reinvests in local communities. The majority of our profits stay with drivers and within the Nepalese economy, directly benefiting local families and businesses. 

Additionally, through our community programs and impactful projects, we bring our skills, resources, and commitment to tackling real social challenges, contributing to lasting positive change. We are dedicated to continuing our journey of impactful projects in Nepal, expanding our programs, and reaching more communities in need. At inDrive, we believe that business success should always be measured not just by profit but by the positive impact we create in the communities we serve.

So, does inDrive have any partnerships with local insurance companies in Nepal to provide coverage?

Yes, inDrive is proud to partner with Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance Company Limited, a well-known local insurance company in Nepal. This collaboration allows us to provide essential insurance coverage for our drivers and passengers, ensuring their safety and security while on the road. It’s a significant step in reinforcing our commitment to driver and passenger welfare, and we’re thrilled to have this arrangement in place. Having local support from Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance adds an extra layer of reliability and trust for our driver partners and our valuable passengers.

We have discussed how inDrive is empowering drivers globally and enhancing its reputation as a reliable ride-hailing app. How does inDrive plan to specifically empower local drivers in Nepal? What kind of support can they expect from the company?

The very first and arguably most impactful way we empower our drivers is by ensuring that 90 percent of the fare goes directly to them. Unlike many platforms, we prioritize putting the majority of the earnings into the hands of those who are on the road. Drivers receive their earnings instantly, providing immediate access to their hard-earned money. If you haven’t experienced this firsthand, I highly encourage you to spend some time with our team and local drivers-ask questions, understand their motivations, and hear their personal stories. You'll find that each driver has a unique journey, and many rely on this income to support their families and pursue their aspirations. 

The second way we support drivers is by fostering consistent demand for rides. Our platform is growing rapidly in Nepal, which translates to more ride requests and more earning opportunities for drivers. For many, driving with inDrive represents a pathway to a sustainable income, sometimes transitioning from unemployment to earning a reliable livelihood. 

Thirdly, we focus heavily on training and development. We recognize that quality service and safety are paramount—not just for passengers but for drivers too. Our training sessions cover areas like safety protocols, customer service, and effective time management. We also go beyond traditional training by addressing mental health, recognizing that long hours on the road can be both mentally and physically demanding. In fact, we’ve introduced in-person mental health sessions to help drivers manage stress and maintain well-being during their long shifts. Driving for eight to ten hours a day is not an easy task. The pressures of traffic, passenger demands, and maintaining concentration are real challenges. Having driven myself, though only for shorter periods, I understand how intense it can be, especially during peak hours when everyone is rushing to their destinations. Our aim is to ease this burden with continuous support, better infrastructure, and a sense of community. 

Finally, as we continue to grow in Nepal, we are committed to bringing more services and investments into the community. These initiatives are designed to not only enhance the experience for our drivers but also to contribute positively to the local economy.