Singapore ride-hailing firm Ryde announced today (April 21) that it will be launching a new premium ride service. Called RydeLUXE, it is still in the beta trial phase, but will be officially launched on April 29.
With RydeLUXE, users will be matched to professional drivers with the highest ratings on the Ryde app. Car models that are currently accepted are the six-seater Toyota’s Alphard and Vellfire models.
According to the firm, this latest addition is catered to business executives, tourists, and premium customers on special occasions.
Ryde also said that it expects the “most of the demand to come from Downtown”, adding that corporate demand is projected to come from MNCs, small businesses, hotels and restaurants.
Through a partnership with Ryde, business owners, restaurants and hotels can provide this service to its guests looking for a premium ride.
Indicative fares during off-peak hours are S$25 from Tanglin to Bugis, and S$50 from Bugis to Changi Business Park. Both on-demand and advance bookings will be accepted.
Ryde is well-aware that the luxury market has been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has taken a hit on drivers’ earnings.
In response to this, Ryde said that it will charge driver partners 10 per cent service fees to provide them with jobs and also allow them to take more home for each completed ride.
“The launch of RydeLUXE reflects our belief and commitment to introduce innovative features for the ride-hailing market. It also marks a significant milestone for us, as we enter the ultra-luxury market and cater to a different clientele,” said Terence Zou, founder and CEO of Ryde Technologies.
To date, Ryde’s app has been downloaded close to 700,000 times. Ryde sees continuous growth in drivers and passenger sign-ups as more users seek alternatives to incumbents.
Interested users can sign up and enjoy the premium rides by downloading the Ryde app from the Apple App Store and Google PlayStore.
Featured Image Credit: Rojak Daily / Toyota Singapore
