Field notes / thesis
The economics of a journey already happening.
An available seat creates an opportunity to share costs. Here is the idea—and what a Lagos pilot still needs to prove.
A driver already heading your way has a different starting point from a driver making a separate journey specifically for you. The trip was already planned. An available seat creates an opportunity to share its cost.
That is the economic idea behind TagRides Along.
Editorial update: this early field note has been revised to distinguish the cost-sharing thesis from outcomes that still need to be measured in our pilot.
An available seat is an opportunity—not a costless ride
The driver may already intend to pay for the main journey, but carrying a passenger can still add costs: time at pickup, operating expenses, platform fees and the effort of coordination. The driver also has other uses for their time and vehicle.
A fare is worthwhile when it makes sense after those costs. A positive fare is not automatically profit, and we do not assume a driver’s opportunity cost is zero.
What this could mean for riders
Instead of hiring a dedicated car, a rider contributes for the part of a journey shared with a compatible driver. That creates room to pursue fares competitive with public transport on suitable routes.
That is a goal to test. The useful comparison includes the rider’s complete journey, any additional paid connections and the practicality of reaching the pickup. We have not established universal savings or a guaranteed fare below a danfo.
What this could mean for drivers
An available seat can generate revenue on a trip a driver already plans to make. The driver chooses requests that fit, and the fare is agreed before pickup.
The next question is what the driver keeps. Our pilot will assess net earnings, with operating costs and any pilot support identified separately. We are not promising a fixed daily income.
The product around the economics
TagRides combines compatible-route discovery, fare agreement, driver and vehicle information, live tracking and trip records. The MVP is in internal testing as we prepare a focused Lagos pilot around Yaba.
People already understand shared travel. Our work is to make suitable journeys easier to find, agree and track.
Their route. Your ride.
Read the full story: The car is going there anyway. Why can’t you ride along?