which is better ola or uber

When it comes to travel, we often prefer cabs over public transport. The reasons are obvious! It is more convenient to hop into a cab from your doorstep that drops you at your destination than going to the nearest bus stop or metro station, buying a ticket, and taking a taxi or walking to your destination from your drop-off point. But there are many recommended brands for reliable cab services, the most popular being Ola and Uber. Which one of them is your favorite, and which one is better, Ola or Uber? Let's explore both options and find out!

A Quick Insight Into Uber

Uber operates on an impeccable business model and provides a safe, transparent platform to plan rides between riders and drivers. The company owns several luxury sedans in the cab segment, including SUVs, accessible vehicles, and premium cars. Further, Uber offers a wide range of services, including food delivery, package delivery, and two-wheeler rentals, such as motorized scooters and electric bicycles. Also, their platform supports multiple payment options. However, their cars do not accommodate baby seats or support pet transportation.

A Quick Insight Into Ola

Ola is an India-based startup that owns some cars and hires drivers. Their rental rides include SUVs, sedans, and luxury sedans available only in limited locations. Their platform supports fewer payment methods alongside cash payments. Like Uber, Ola also provides several services, such as food delivery and delivery of groceries to your doorstep. Ola primarily uses second-hand cars, so the ride experience is average. Again, like Uber, Ola Cars do not allow pet transportation and have no provision for baby seats.

Primary Differences between Ola and Uber

Both Ola and Uber provide hassle-free ride-sharing services to travelers. However, they do have some differences in specific features, such as: 

• Pick-up Point Specifications - When it comes to specifying the pick-up point, Ola shows a specific location. You can enter an address or state a nearby pick-up point. However, you have to navigate to a pick-up point in Uber. That said, Uber follows a better routing algorithm, and their cabs reach the pick-up location within minutes. However, Ola Cabs often show a waiting time of about 15 minutes.
• Cab Availability - Both Ola and Uber provide different options for choosing a cab, such as large, mini, and shared cab options. However, you can enter the drop-off location in Uber before choosing a ride. In the Ola app, you can select the type of sedan on the home page with estimated travel time for each. Ola provides its services in about 60 countries. Uber covers a broader ground with 70 countries. 
• Costing - In both Ola and Uber, ride fares are calculated based on profit margin. Uber shows different ride fares for various cabs available nearby. However, Ola provides a price comparison for all vehicle types. The price range varies for both apps according to destination and type of ride. Although, Uber cabs are slightly priced high in comparison to Ola. 
• Color Of Car - Ola apps show the color of the rental car, making it easier for the passengers to identify a vehicle. However, for Uber cabs, passengers need to check the vehicle number itself when it reaches the pick-up point. Further, GPS facility is available for drivers and riders in Ola and Uber.
• Ride History - Ola and Uber Apps show search history for previous rides. However, when users click away from trip history in an Ola app, they can select support and look for answers to specific problems. Ride history allows the passengers in both apps to analyze trip details, such as start and end location, driver rating, and more. In Ola, only the riders can enter reviews. However, Uber allows both riders and drivers to leave reviews and feedback.
• Ride Safety - Uber has implemented better criteria for the safety of its passengers. Features like panic buttons, in-app SOS buttons, and a 24x7 safety helpline have assured safer rides to women riders.

Ola also provides a signup and referral discount to its riders. Uber does not offer any such signup discounts. However, they do offer a 10% discount on shared cab services. No such shared-ride discounts are available in Ola.