KUCHING: As the New Year Holidays approach, travellers seeking cost-effective transportation options can benefit from strategic planning, according to insights from Maxim.
The transportation and delivery service firm said that the demand for e-hailing rides significantly rises with orders doubling compared to regular times during holiday periods.
From Dec 24 to Jan 2, Maxim specialists forecasts a 45 per cent spike in trip demand. During peak hours, prices can rise to 1.5-2 times the standard fare to motivate drivers for quicker service.
The service predicts a surge in e-hailing demand on Dec 30 evening and night, potentially causing a 1.5-fold price increase. Peak demand is expected on the evening of Dec 31 to the morning of Jan 1, with a possibility of double fares.
Therefore, to navigate these peak periods without incurring additional costs, Maxim is advising passengers to opt for off-peak hours or schedule rides on Monday to Thursday, on Friday afternoons, or after Jan 2.
“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.
“The forecast of the service predicts a surge in e-hailing demand on Dec 30 evening and night, potentially causing a 1.5-fold price increase. Peak demand is expected on the evening of Dec 31 to the morning of Jan 1, with a possibility of double fares.
“Those looking to save on transportation costs can strategically plan their trips with these considerations in mind. The Maxim application also provides a tool to estimate trip costs along selected routes, ensuring informed decision-making,” the firm said in a statement.
The price surge is due to increased activities such as shopping, visiting relatives, and exploring tourist destinations. Furthermore, a large group of the working population takes time off, leading to increased demand for trips to airports, railway stations, and bus terminals.
Many car owners also opt for ride-hailing services to avoid the hassles of navigating busy streets.
Meanwhile, for those who need a quick delivery of transport, analysts advise to slightly increase the price of the trip. This way the order will become more attractive to drivers which means that it will be executed first.
