Staff Reporter

Online transport company InDrive has expanded its operations to include three new cities in Zimbabwe: Bulawayo, Gweru, and Mutare. Previously exclusive to Harare, this move marks a significant step in the company’s mission to improve transportation options across the country, providing an alternative to traditional ride-hailing services.

In a statement yesterday, InDrive’s Regional Manager for Southern Africa, Tinashe Kanyemba, expressed the company’s excitement about entering new markets. “We have seen tremendous growth and support from users in Harare, which has encouraged us to expand our services to Bulawayo, Gweru, and Mutare. We aim to offer residents in these cities a more affordable, safe, and convenient transport solution,” said Kanyemba.

For commuters in Bulawayo, Gweru, and Mutare, the launch of InDrive presents a much-needed alternative.

“Local transport operators in these areas have struggled with maintaining reliable services, especially in light of the country’s ongoing economic difficulties. InDrive’s entry is expected to increase competition, potentially driving improvements in service quality,” Kanyemba noted.

InDrive’s expansion is also expected to generate employment opportunities for local drivers in Bulawayo, Gweru, and Mutare.

“This is not just about transportation; it’s about empowering drivers by giving them more control over their earnings,” Kanyemba added.

The company, which operates on a peer-to-peer model, allows passengers and drivers to negotiate fares directly through its mobile app. This feature has proven popular among users in Harare, where pricing flexibility is seen as a key advantage. InDrive hopes that this will appeal to residents in the newly added cities, where transport services have faced challenges related to affordability and availability.

One Bulawayo resident, Rudo Ncube welcomed the new service. “We’ve needed something like this for a long time. It’s good to see new options, and I hope it brings down the cost of getting around the city,” Ncube said.

Meanwhile, the platform’s user-friendly interface and transparency in pricing are among the factors InDrive hopes will differentiate it from other transport