Didi Express is a better option for users seeking wider global coverage and potentially lower prices, but availability during peak hours and customer support can be problematic. Ola Prime Sedan is a strong choice within India, offering reliable customer support and a focus on driver professionalism, though prices can be affected by dynamic pricing.
| Attribute | Didi Express | Ola Prime Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| Average fare price | Generally cheaper than regular taxis and other ride-hailing services. Prices vary by city and time of day, with surge pricing during peak hours. Examples: Shanghai (daytime 10km ~35 5 yuan, rush hour ~60 5 yuan), Beijing (starting price 13-14 yuan, mileage fee 1.45-1.8 yuan/km, time fee 0.4-0.8 yuan/km), Australia (base fare $2.75, distance fare $1.49/km, time fare $0.39/min, service & levy fee $0.90, minimum fare $6.70). | Fares depend on the city, time, and demand. Dynamic pricing adjusts fares based on demand and peak times. Base fares and per-kilometer charges vary. For example, in 2015, Chennai had a base fare of 99 for the first 4 km and 12/km after that. In 2017, Kolkata had fares around 110 for 10 km, compared to normal non-AC taxis costing 125-140. In 2024, Hyderabad had a Prime Sedan charge of 12 per km. |
| Availability during peak hours | Limited during rush hours (7 9 AM and 5 7 PM). Surge pricing is common. In Beijing, 20% of Didi Express demand during rush hours on weekdays may not be met. | Ola Select promises rides in Prime Sedans without peak pricing. Ola is available in over 250 cities in India. |
| Vehicle cleanliness and maintenance | Some reviews mention clean cars and well-maintained vehicles. DiDi Care service (in some areas) includes car sanitization. DiDi was rated highly for cleanliness in some regions. | Cleanliness and maintenance are indicators of service standards. Well-maintained cars show care for customer comfort and safety. |
| Driver professionalism and courtesy | Generally, drivers are reported as well-mannered. Didi emphasizes respect and courtesy. Some drivers may be upset if you request to avoid toll roads. DiDi may suspend riders' accounts for inappropriate behavior. | Driver partners are the face of the brand, influencing customer perceptions. Ola invests in training drivers on customer service and safe driving. Some reviews mention polite and professional drivers. |
| Estimated waiting time | Average waiting time is about 6 minutes (1 minute to accept a ride request, 5 minutes for the driver to arrive). Waiting times may be longer during peak hours. | Ola's algorithm efficiently matches customers with nearby drivers to optimize wait times. |
| Ride comfort (legroom, suspension) | Rides are generally comfortable. 'Express' cars offer basic service. 'Premier' cars offer a more premium experience. 'Luxe' provides luxury vehicles. | Prime Sedans offer comfortable rides with extra luggage space. Ola Prime Plus offers sedans with top driver-partners. |
| Safety features (e.g., emergency button, ride sharing) | Emergency button to contact law enforcement. Real-time trip sharing. Driver verification. In-trip audio recording (in some areas). 'TripCheck' for unusual activity detection. SOS button. Private numbers. DiDi provides insurance coverage for accidents. | Ola has safety measures like background checks on drivers. Mobile numbers are masked to ensure privacy. The app has an emergency button to contact the Safety Response Team or police. You can share ride details and location with emergency contacts. Ola Guardian monitors trips for irregular activity. |
| App usability and features | User-friendly interface. Available in multiple languages. Google Maps integration. Options to book different car types. Payment options include credit card, Alipay, Apple Pay, and cash (in some cities). In-app chat with auto-translation. Lost item feature. | Ola's app has a user-friendly interface. Features include ride tracking, multiple payment options, and feedback mechanisms. The app displays available cab categories and provides fare estimates. |
| Coverage area | Operates in over 4,000 cities. Wider coverage than traditional taxis. Availability in rural areas may be limited. | Ola operates in over 250 cities in India. |
| Customer support responsiveness | Customer support can be contacted at 400-000-0999 (in some regions). In-app help center. Emergency Help function. Some users have reported difficulty contacting support. | Ola offers 24/7 customer support. The Safety Response Team is available 24/7 for assistance. |
| Driver's knowledge of routes | Drivers generally follow efficient routes. Google Maps integration assists with navigation. | Drivers are expected to follow navigation. |
| Cancellation policy and fees | Cancel within 2 minutes of booking without charge. Cancellation fees apply after 2 minutes, starting at 3-5. Cancellation fees may range from $7.00 - $12.00 (DiDi Express) in some regions like Australia. Fees may be disputed if the driver is late or takes a strange route. If you cancel the trip within 5 minutes of your driver accepting your trip request, you will not be charged a cancellation fee. | Cancellation fees may be charged if you cancel after 5 minutes of cab allotment or if the driver cancels after waiting for more than 10 minutes. No cancellation fee if the driver is delayed by more than 5 minutes. Cancellation fees compensate drivers for their time and effort. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |