Tips for building a successful ridesharing business

Starting a ridesharing business is an excellent way to earn an income while enjoying the flexibility of setting your own schedule. For PCO drivers in London, the potential for a profitable business is high, but success depends on how seriously you approach it. Treat your ridesharing venture like a business, not a hobby, and you’ll see your efforts reflected in your results.

Here are some expert tips for building and growing a successful, profitable ridesharing business in London.

Deliver outstanding service

The quality of your service directly impacts your success. Beyond getting passengers safely from A to B, offering a memorable ride experience can boost your ratings and tips.

Tips to impress passengers

Keep your car clean and presentable at all times.
Be professional; assist with luggage, and avoid eating or drinking while driving.
Read your passengers’ preferences; some may enjoy a chat, while others prefer a quiet ride.

A well-maintained car and courteous service often result in glowing reviews, higher ratings, and better earnings.

Prioritise passenger safety

Safety is crucial for any rideshare driver. Your passengers trust you to deliver a smooth and secure ride, and any lapses could impact your ratings.

Safety tips for London drivers

Drive defensively, respecting traffic rules and speed limits.
Take regular breaks to stay alert, especially during long shifts.
Avoid distractions: use a hands-free device for calls, and keep the music at a moderate level.

By prioritising safety, you not only protect your passengers but also reduce potential expenses like fines or accident repairs.

Be flexible with your schedule

One of the perks of being a PCO driver is choosing when to work. To maximise your earnings, however, you’ll need to work during peak demand times.

Peak times to drive in London

Early mornings (4:00 am to 8:00 am) for airport trips.
Weekday rush hours (7:00 am to 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm).
Friday and Saturday nights, and weekends.

Experiment with different schedules to find what works best for your lifestyle while ensuring you take time off to rest and recharge.

Develop a driving strategy

Efficiency is key to maximising your ridesharing income. A good driving strategy helps you work smarter, not harder.

Tips for a successful driving strategy

Use apps like Uber, Bolt, and Free Now to increase ride requests during slow periods.
Position yourself in high-demand areas, such as Central London or airports.
Monitor surge pricing but weigh the benefits against potential delays in heavy traffic.
Plan routes strategically to minimise downtime between rides.

Choose the right car for ridesharing

Your car is your business partner. A reliable, cost-effective vehicle can significantly impact your expenses and passenger satisfaction.

What to look for in a PCO car

Fuel efficiency or low running costs (e.g., electric vehicles).
Spacious interiors with ample legroom and boot space.
Easy handling and parking, especially in London’s busy streets.

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular among London’s PCO drivers. With benefits like exemption from the Congestion Charge, ULEZ charge, and road tax, EVs are both economical and environmentally friendly. Plus, they offer lower maintenance costs and access to Uber Green for additional earnings.

How Splend can help you succeed

At Splend, we specialise in helping PCO drivers thrive in London. Our all-inclusive car subscription plans, Flexi and Flexi own, provide you with a reliable EV or hybrid vehicle that’s ready for ridesharing.

Our plans include:

PHV insurance cover
Regular maintenance and servicing
24/7 roadside assistance
Replacement car in case of an accident

Additionally, our team of experts works with you to build a driving strategy tailored to your goals. Whether you’re just starting or looking to boost your earnings, Splend is here to support you every step of the way.

About Splend

At Splend, we believe in drivers. We know their vehicles need to work harder than most; that they drive more miles than most; that their insurance is hefty; their maintenance costs high and that they can face unreasonable finance rates – which is a heavy load to carry on their own.

That’s why at Splend, we exist to support rideshare drivers with a new model, that takes all those car ownership costs, and provides them for less, with lower purchase prices, better rates, lower servicing and insurance costs – all for one weekly repayment, all in one place.