Key highlights
- Ola becomes the first ride-hailing platform to launch non-AC rides pan-India.
- New category targets value-conscious commuters and opens fresh earning potential for drivers.
- Complements Ola’s 0% commission model, allowing drivers to keep their full fare.
Ola has officially launched non-AC rides across the country, becoming the only ride-hailing platform to offer this option at a national scale. The company says the move is a direct response to India’s massive demand for affordable daily mobility, especially in cities where people simply want a reliable ride without paying a premium for air-conditioning.
According to the company’s announcement, early response to the pilot phase was strong enough to greenlight a full-scale rollout. Ola claims riders want more transparent and flexible fare options, and the non-AC category fills a gap that has existed for years. Autos, bikes and cabs will all be available under this new tier, giving customers more choice during peak hours when AC rides often surge.
The impact on drivers could be even bigger. Non-AC rides lower fuel load and operational costs because the air-conditioner stays off, which means each trip costs less to run. Combined with Ola’s 0% commission model, over a million driver partners continue to retain every rupee from every ride they complete. With a new low-cost category now live, Ola expects higher trip volumes for drivers who are willing to operate in this space.
Ola says the non-AC category aligns with its long-term goal of making mobility inclusive. It also strengthens the company’s push to rethink urban transportation through affordability, scale and electric mobility. While the electric side of the business grows at the Futurefactory, Ola continues to widen its ride-hailing ecosystem to serve India’s everyday travel patterns.
For now, the brand believes non-AC rides will hit the sweet spot for office-goers, students and anyone who wants a no-frills ride that simply gets the job done. And given India’s traffic and weather, many commuters have already accepted that AC is a luxury, not a default.
Also read: Ola Electric in-app service feature launched under Hyperservice initiative
