Cruise Driverless prioritizes autonomous driving and accessibility features but has faced safety and operational challenges. Ola Cabs (India) offers broader geographic coverage and ride options but struggles with customer support and driver vetting. The best choice depends on individual priorities and location.
| Attribute | Cruise Driverless | Ola Cabs (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Availability During Peak Hours | Initially operated during limited hours, often late evening and early morning. Availability has varied, with expansion to 24/7 service in some areas before operational suspensions. | Ola offers Ola Select to provide cabs without peak pricing, but users report difficulty finding cabs during rush hours and drivers sometimes cancel bookings. |
| Vehicle Cleanliness and Maintenance | GM has explored self-cleaning floor technology. Cruise employed workers for cleaning and maintenance. Cars are cleaned and charged daily. | Ola launched a 'Swachh Car Abhiyan' to promote cleanliness. Customer feedback on cleanliness affects driver incentives, but some reviews mention poor vehicle cleanliness. |
| Ride Cost Compared to Competitors | $5 per ride in Austin. Initially free in San Francisco due to pending permit approvals. | Ola aims to offer rides for every budget and is considered affordable by some users. Ola uses dynamic pricing. |
| Safety Measures and Incident Response | Alerted to incidents through automated and human review. Equipped with OnStar, including Automatic Crash Response. Collaborated with first responders. Faced criticism regarding transparency and handling of safety incidents. | Ola has implemented safety features like GPS tracking, an in-app emergency button, and real-time ride monitoring. They also have a 24/7 Safety Response Team. Some reports indicate these measures don't always prevent unsafe situations, and customer support can be unresponsive. |
| Geographic Coverage Area | Initially a limited geofenced area in San Francisco, later expanded. Also operated in Austin and Phoenix. | Ola operates in 250+ cities in India. |
| App User-Friendliness and Reliability | Works with phone's native screen readers. | The Ola app is generally considered user-friendly, with features like ride booking, multiple payment options, and ride tracking. The app has a user rating of 4.1 stars on the App Store. |
| Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) Accuracy | Route choices consider traffic, safety, and feedback from other Cruise cars. | There is mixed feedback regarding ETA accuracy. |
| Customer Support Responsiveness | Available through the app, with agents able to call the car and check on passengers. | Ola offers 24/7 customer support via phone, social media, and in-app systems. However, many users report issues with customer support responsiveness and resolution. |
| Ride Customization Options | Offers different vehicle options, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. | Ola offers various ride options, including: Ola Mini, Ola Sedan, Ola SUV, Ola Rentals, and Ola Outstation. |
| Payment Options and Transparency | Operates with an app for users to order and pay for rides. | Ola accepts both cash and online payments. The app displays fares before booking. |
| Accessibility Features for Riders with Disabilities | Wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) with a built-in ramp and securement systems. App supports deaf/hard-of-hearing users through real-time texting. Service animals are permitted. | Ola has faced criticism regarding the accessibility of its app for users with disabilities. The Court of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has made recommendations to improve accessibility. |
| Driver Vetting and Background Checks | Vehicles meet the description of a Level 4 automated driving system and are designed to perform the entire dynamic driving task within a defined operational design domain (ODD). | Ola hires background verification companies to check driver credentials and criminal records. However, some reports suggest that screening processes aren't always sufficient. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | App Store: 4.1 stars |