For the last couple of years, the price of ride-hailing services in Ghana has been steadily increasing.
Due to rising inflation and rising fuel costs, popular platforms like Uber and Bolt have had to increase their base prices.
Uber increased their base price from GHC 5 to GHC 8 in 2022. Other platforms like Bolt also saw price increases.
The price increases have frustrated a lot of commuters who rely on ride-hailing services for their daily commute in Ghana’s public transportation space.
Many have adapted to the new prices by downloading more than two ride-hailing services and selecting a cheaper option.
Aikins Laryea, a Ghanaian developer, had noticed this trend of commuters downloading all the ride apps and making price comparisons.
“During a public commute, I saw an old lady open most of the apps to check prices but her phone was a low end device from how the apps behaved (took time to load),” he said.
“I thought what if there was something that could combine all these prices into a single place, so you could just book the most economic and you’re good to go.”
In October 2024, Aikins, a mobile engineer who currently works at Leapfrog Technologies, started building Sail, an online platform that allows users to compare prices across multiple ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt.
A Simple Idea with Big Impact
The concept behind Sail is straightforward: users input their pickup location and destination, and the platform instantly displays a range of prices from various ride-hailing services operating in Ghana.
The process makes it easier for ride-hailing commuters to make informed decisions without the hassle of opening multiple apps.
For many Ghanaians, this service is a game-changer.
“Some say it’s a brilliant idea,” Aikins said. “They say it has really helped them save a lot because now they get to just go on Sail, pick the most economic option and book from the app or let someone book for them.”
The app does not require users to sign up but registered users unlock new features once signed in, including the ability to track their past and upcoming rides.
According to Aikins, the app currently has more than 700 registered users with more than 4,000 users using the platform to check prices.
In all, the app has been used more than 270,000 times since its launch.
A Small Team
The Sails platform was built by Aikins, along with a friend whom he consults when it comes to ideas for designing and developing the app.
The prices displayed on the platform are displayed in real time from the ride hail services.
There might be a risk of violation of the terms of service by displaying ride hailing prices for comparison.
Aikins says it’s been at the back of his mind but he will keep building.
“I always have the fear in mind but I’m an engineer and so are the people building all of these so there are always ways around things. I always build with the paranoia.“
(Uber and Bolt allow developers to pull fare estimates, but usually require authentication and have usage limits)
Future Prospects
The response from users on social media has been very receptive and positive. One user on X give high praise for the platform:
“First morning using @Sailrides today and I’m glad you can just click on the ride app and it takes you there. I wasn’t expecting that. Great Great Great Job!”
Aikins continues to build and update the app, gathering feedback from users.
Currently, Sail is only available on the web with a planned release on the major app stores later.
In the long term, he hopes to grow the platform beyond Ghana’s borders.
“Sail is going to grow with the transportation economy we have here in Ghana and also it’s in the works to expand it to other countries,” he said.
He also hopes to officially partner with ride-hailing services, where they offer discounts and promos for users who book through the Sail platform.
As the usage grows, Aikins sees the app becoming a mainstay for ride-hailing users in the country.
“There are a few plans in the works that would make people want to use Sail more in their day to day movements.”
