This Pongal season, with train tickets vanishing in seconds and private omni buses demanding steep fares, many travellers turned to carpooling apps for affordable and convenient options. Platforms such as Bla Bla and Quick Ride saw nearly 80% of rides to cities such as Madurai, Coimbatore, and Trichy booked for the weekend and Monday.
On average, a seat in a sedan heading to Madurai costs between 1,000 and 1,200, nearly half the fare of an A/C sleeper bus. “Travelling by car is more comfortable, and many ride-sharers offer doorstep pickup and drop-off, making it even more convenient,” said D Subbiah, who reached Bengaluru for just 720.
Ride-sharers also benefit from the arrangement. “I’m travelling to my hometown for Pongal anyway. Earning 1,000 or 2,000 from fellow passengers helps offset fuel and toll expenses,” said Mohana Prasad, a ride-sharer from Madipakkam to Madurai.
Taxi drivers have also tapped into this demand. Through WhatsApp and Telegram groups, they coordinated ride requests, charging a 10% commission. “By facilitating these trips, we earn 500 to 1,000 per week,” said A Manikandan, an admin of one such group.
Safety, however, remains a significant concern for many commuters, often deterring them from choosing carpooling. Some ride-sharers overspeed on highways and ignore passenger requests to slow down. Additionally, apart from feedback mechanisms, there is no clear process for reporting mishaps to the police.
The demand for acting drivers surged this year, with car owners hiring them to navigate long highway drives. Typically charging 1,300 a day, drivers saw offers go as high as 2,000 a day, yet many were unavailable, leaving car owners scrambling.
Highways to Bengaluru and Trichy saw significant congestion. Cars took more than four hours to cross Villupuram on Friday and Saturday nights despite patrols, diversions, and staggered holiday breaks. The influx of bikes added to the chaos, as many riders crossed lanes abruptly, mimicking city-road driving habits, making travel not just slow but also risky.