Now, BlaBlaCar, the world’s leading carpooling platform, has emerged as a new force in India’s dynamic transportation ecosystem. This year, it passed the 20 million passenger mark, a stunning 50% jump over last year. This surge has positioned India as BlaBlaCar’s largest market worldwide, accounting for approximately 33% of the company’s global carpool passengers. Engagement on the new platform has been remarkable. That’s reflected in its docked annual average of 1.1 million monthly active users, reaching seasonal highs of around 1.5 million in August.
In fact, the app’s primary user demographic is young adults between the ages of 18 and 34. This development is indicative of how India’s youth is rapidly gravitating towards shared mobility options. A staggering 95% of BlaBlaCar’s engagement occurs via its mobile application. This illuminates the central role of digital accessibility in driving the startup’s success.
BlaBlaCar has very specifically adapted its product and marketplace to Indian user’s needs. They rolled out novel features such as “meeting-point logic” to make it easier for drivers and passengers to coordinate. This feature has made it easier for users to arrange pick-up and drop-off locations that are convenient for both parties.
Additionally, BlaBlaCar has launched an ID Check functionality in India, where users’ identities are verified using government-issued identification documents. This effort is just one piece of an ongoing commitment to protecting the public’s safety while fostering a community of trust.
“ID verification is just one part of our broader trust and safety framework; we don’t rely on a single feature, but on multiple, layered mechanisms that work together to build confidence within our community.” – BlaBlaCar
Drivers on BlaBlaCar make an average of ₹390 (just under $4) per seat filled. These trips have an average one-way distance of 180km (roughly 112 miles). In just August, drivers brought in an incredible ₹713 million, which is about $8 million. This remarkable number highlights the platform’s deep economic footprint in communities across the country. Similar to some of BlaBlaCar’s other markets, 75% of users on the platform in India are passengers. The other 25% are non-drivers, further stressing a vibrant and robust shared travel ecosystem.
Here are all the reasons which led to BlaBlaCar’s growth in India. Word-of-mouth marketing, growing mobile internet accessibility and the digital payment platforms have all contributed to its growing appeal among the burgeoning middle class. The busiest corridors are Pune–Thane and Pune–Nashik in Maharashtra, and Bengaluru–Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh.
Despite its remarkable growth, BlaBlaCar is still not making any money on its Indian operations so far. As we’ve written, company executives have suggested they’re not planning to move quickly on adding fees or monetization strategies. Instead, they are all-in on driving usage and establishing a strong user ecosystem.
“We are in no hurry to start introducing a fee or generating revenue in India. We are focused on generating usage, and we have the playback because we’ve done that in several markets,” – Nicolas Brusson
BlaBlaCar has plans to establish a local office in India. They hope to have their first hire in place by late this year or early next. With this move, the company appears focused on putting down more permanent roots in the Indian market and bettering its service to customers and clients.
Lavanya Jain, a user of the platform, highlighted the benefits of using BlaBlaCar:
“If you’re looking for a fast, efficient, affordable, and comfortable way to travel — and you like to chat — you should basically check out BlaBlaCar.”