Have you ever thought about how much money Rapido bike riders make for each kilometer they drive? It’s an interesting question that reveals a lot about their job and income. In this article, we’ll explore the world of Rapido captain earnings per km price for every ride. It’s a unique job that’s part of the gig economy, and we’ll break down the details to help you understand how it all works.
So, hop on, and let’s find out how Rapido captains make a living, one kilometer at a time!
(A) The inception of Rapido: How did it start?
Rapido’s journey began with a visionary concept crafted by its three co-founders. They envisioned a platform that would harness the potential of individuals who owned two-wheelers. Two of the co-founders had already invested in their own vehicles and recognized an opportunity to optimize the extra capacity of their rides by sharing them with passengers headed in the same direction.
However, their ambition stretched far beyond emulating established ride-sharing giants like Uber and Ola. They aimed to pioneer something unique – an application that would encapsulate the essence of Rapido. This innovative app was conceived to be a means of instant connection between riders and drivers of various vehicles, be it cars, cycles, scooters, or others, who shared a common travel direction.
The co-founders firmly believed that this groundbreaking concept of “real-time carpooling” could not only revolutionize the daily commute for millions of Indians but also reshape the traditional business model of the transportation industry.
As a result, Rapido embarked on its journey with a simple yet potent initial product that was designed to cater to the needs of its customers. Since its inception, Rapido has continuously evolved its offerings, driven by a dedicated team of 15-20 individuals who have grown in parallel with the company, all working toward the betterment of its employees and the service it provides.
(B) Rapido Captain Earnings Per Km Price
A Rapido Captain can earn around 1,500 rupees per day by working 10-12 hours, factoring in traffic and rider count in cities like Hyderabad. Rapido offers enticing incentive schemes, encouraging drivers to achieve specific ride and distance milestones, thereby boosting their earnings.
Let’s look at the Earning of Rapido Captain-
| Rapido Schemes | Timing | Kilometers | Earnings | Total Earning |
| Mid Night | 12 am to 3 am | 25 km | Rs.100 | Rs.100 |
| Morning | 6 am to 11 am | First 35 km | Rs.170 | Up to Rs.200 |
| 50km (total) | Rs.120 (additional) | |||
| Afternoon | 11 am to 4 pm | First 30 km | Rs.100 | Rs.200 |
| 45km (total) | Rs.100 (additional) | |||
| Evening | 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm | First 35km | Rs.150 | Up to Rs.250 |
| 50km (total) | Rs.100 (additional) | |||
| Weekly Incentive | After 100 rides | – | Rs.500 | Rs.1000 per week |
| After 150 rides | – | Rs.500 (Additional) | ||
| Average Daily Earnings | Daily Basis | 340km | Approx. Rs.1,500 | Rs.1,500 per day (estimated value) |
(C) Rapido Captain Salary per Month
The monthly salary of a Rapido Captain can vary based on several factors, including location and experience. Different sources provide varying estimates. According to AmbitionBox, the estimated take-home salary ranges from ₹8,182 to ₹9,105 per month in India. In contrast, Glassdoor suggests that the typical Rapido Captain earns around ₹22,792 per month, with earnings ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹35,000 per month.
These figures are approximate and can fluctuate based on various factors. Such as-
- Time
- Day
- Location
- Distance
If it ends on the city outskirts the rate may increase too.
(D) Cost Comparison: Rapido vs. Taxis
Bike taxis have several advantages over traditional cabs, and cost-effectiveness is one of them.
Let’s compare the costs of Rapido and Online Taxis-
| Charges Paid by Customer | Rapido | Ola/Uber |
| Initial 2 km | Rs.35 | Around Rs.100 |
| Subsequent Distance | Additional Rs.15 | Over Rs.300 |
| Peak Hour Rate (per km) | 50% Increase in Fare | 3-4 times higher |
| Convenience | Low | High |
| Benefits to Customers | Quick and Easy to navigate through traffic. | Spacious and comfortable cars with professional drivers. |
| Additional Feature | Riders get a helmet for safety | Users can select vehicle type. |
Please note that the waiting charges for Uber and Ola typically apply when the vehicle is idle or stuck in traffic for an extended period. The exact rate (Rs. X/minute) may vary depending on the city or location. Additionally, the convenience factor includes aspects like vehicle type, booking options, and rider safety.
Note: We have thoroughly covered Ola vs. Uber: Which one is doing better business in India? You can look into it for detailed info.
Rapido offers rides at a significantly lower cost, with fares starting at ₹35 for the initial 2 kilometers, which may drop to ₹15 for subsequent distances. In contrast, services like Uber and Ola typically have a base fare of around Rs.100 per kilometer. However, it is subjected to change based on demand and may surge during peak hours, reaching up to Rs.25 per kilometer.
(E) Challenges faced by Rapido
The company Rapido has been facing several challenges over the last few years. Let’s look at them one by one-
(E.1) Regulatory Hurdles
Over the past two years, Rapido and other mobility platforms have grappled with regulatory pressures in several states. This ongoing issue reached a critical point when the Bombay High Court issued an order, demanding that Rapido suspend its services in Maharashtra or risk the permanent cancellation of its license. In response, Rapido has taken the matter to the apex court, challenging the Bombay High Court’s decision.
(E.2) Karnataka’s Verdict
In a separate development, the Karnataka government declared Ola and Uber auto-rickshaws as illegal in October 2022, adding to the industry’s regulatory challenges. This decision added to the complexities of operating in the region.
(E.3) Union Seeking Bans
The Telangana Gig And Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) also joined the fray, advocating for bans on ride-hailing giants like Rapido, Ola, and Uber in December. This union’s efforts contributed to the regulatory turbulence in the industry, making it harder for these platforms to operate freely.
(E.4) Meghalaya’s Ban
Further complicating matters, in July of the previous year, the Meghalaya transport department banned the use of two-wheelers (motorcycles and scooters) for taxi services, both online and offline, in Shillong. This ban was another instance of regulatory challenges faced by mobility platforms.
(E.5) Persistent Legal Challenges
Rapido has been consistently dealing with legal challenges, which have become a recurring issue for the company. Despite these hurdles, the company has persevered in its operations.
However, it’s important to note that Rapido serves a market need that has been proven in numerous other Asian markets, particularly in Southeast Asia. The demand for convenient, affordable transportation remains high. There is hope that regulators will eventually recognize the value and impact that companies like Rapido can have on local transportation and logistics. It’s crucial for them to work collaboratively with existing players in the industry to ensure the growth and sustainability of these services.
(F) Is Rapido in Profit?
As per available information, Rapido, the bike taxi and delivery service provider, experienced financial losses in the fiscal year 2022. Despite incurring expenses of nearly Rs.600 crore, they generated only Rs.145 crore in revenue. This resulted in substantial losses amounting to over Rs.439 crore. These losses were primarily attributed to increased expenditures related to employee recruitment and marketing activities. Consequently, it appears that Rapido was not operating profitably during that period.
Let’s look at the YOY business results of Rapido-
| Aspects | Revenue | Expenses | Profit/Loss |
| FY22 | Rs.144.8 crore | Rs.597 crore | Loss of Rs.439 crore |
| FY21 | Rs.75.6 crore | Rs.254 crore | Loss of Rs.166.4 crore |
| FY20 | Rs.42.6 crore | Rs.301 crore | Loss of Rs.244 crore |
Note: We have thoroughly covered the Rapido Business Model. Check it out for detailed info.
(G) Rapido Premium Auto Plus Services
Recently, Rapido launched Auto Plus services in Bangalore. It is a premium service that guarantees rides without any cancellations. This means that once a ride is booked, the driver cannot cancel it, ensuring that the passenger’s travel plans are not disrupted.
This service is particularly beneficial for those who rely on auto-rickshaws for their daily commute and have faced issues with cancellations in the past.
While the Auto Plus service offers a seamless commuting experience, it comes at a cost. The fares for Auto Plus are higher than government-mandated auto-rickshaw fares, with prices starting at INR 40 and an additional INR 15 per kilometer, the convenience and reliability of the service make it a preferred choice for many commuters in the city.
(H) Conclusion
In conclusion, Rapido Captain earnings per km price can vary significantly. Why? Due to several factors such as location, hours worked, and incentives earned. While an average salary of around 22,000 rupees is reported, individual earnings may differ. Rapido operates on a commission-based system, with Captains receiving a percentage of the fare, along with various incentives and bonuses based on performance. Additionally, it’s important to note that Rapido Captains must ensure their total earnings within a financial year do not exceed INR 20,00,000 to remain classified as unregistered GST service providers.
