KUALA LUMPUR: E-hailing service Maxim has revealed insights on how fare dynamics are set to change, offering users tips to secure faster and more cost-effective rides during the festive period.
According to Maxim specialists, in the period from Dec 24 to Jan 2, the demand for trips increases by more than 45 per cent.
At the same time, during hours of high demand, the price of a trip can be 1.5 to two times higher than the usual.
"This is due to the inclusion of an additional coefficient that increases the cost of the trip. Such a surcharge motivates drivers to work and allows all passengers to get their cars faster.
"If you order a ride during a period when demand has not yet increased, you can save from 30 per cent to 50 per cent of the cost of the trip," Maxim said in a statement.
Adding further, Maxim noted that on holidays, the order of e-hailing rides is two times more often than regular times.
People frequently go shopping, visit relatives and friends and visit tourist places too.
During the holidays, demand for tourist trips also increase because the working population take several days leave.
"This means that orders to the airport, railway or bus stations are more frequent. In addition, many car owners orders ride hailing, who also want to avoid driving in the busy street. This increase in demand shall affect the fare price of the service," it added.
According to the forecast of the service, this year the necessity for e-hailing will have increased on Dec 30 in the evening and at night, leading to a 1.5-fold increase in prices.
The demand will have reached its maximum value from the evening of Dec 31 to the morning of Jan 1, when people celebrate the new year.
At this time, Maxim said a double ride fare may apply. However, the situation will normalise since the second day of January.
"Thus, you can leave at the usual price if you try to avoid peak hour or order a car from Monday to Thursday, on Friday afternoon, after Jan 2. Those who need to save money on transport can plan their trips keeping this in mind.
"In the Maxim application, you can always calculate the estimated cost of a trip along the selected route," it noted.