Singapore carpooling app Ryde will roll out the new RydeX service on May 2, 2018.

New, different features

RydeX will be different from Grab and Uber before it.

Riders can privately request for their preferred drivers and also leave a tip after the ride.

RydeX will take a 10 percent commission, which is much lower than Grab's current 20 percent cut.

This means drivers can expect to make more if they drive for Ryde.

Advanced booking required initially

RydeX will not be an on-demand service when it starts.

Users need to book at least 10 minutes in advance to get a match.

The minimum fare is S$8, and rates are at 60 cents per kilometre.

Recruitment

Ryde CEO Terence Zou said the firm has recruited 5,000 licensed private-hire car drivers within the last month, a "significant proportion" being ex-Uber drivers.

Zou expects to add 10,000 drivers in the next three months.

Like Grab and Uber, there will also be a surge factor based on demand, but capped at S$100.

Ryde has no plans to set up a car rental business.

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Other unique selling points

Zou is banking on a 5 percent cashback for users, personalised driver requests, and advance booking of up to seven days, to win over users.

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