Pathao Ready to Revise Fares if Common Minimum Rate Is Introduced for Riders
Pathao Nepal says it is ready to revise its fare structure if the government, rider representatives and digital platforms agree on a common minimum fare to ensure fair rider earnings.
· 3 min read
Kathmandu, August 21, 2026: Pathao Nepal has said it is prepared to revise its existing fare structure if the government, rider representatives and digital ride-sharing platforms agree on a common minimum fare.
The company said it recognises riders’ demands for fair compensation and believes riders should receive appropriate returns for their time, investment, labour and risks.
Pathao Open to Common Fare Structure
Pathao Managing Director Yashu Thakali said the company supports ensuring that riders receive a reasonable income.
The company said it would be ready to modify its current pricing system if a minimum fare is agreed upon and implemented equally across ride-sharing platforms.
Pathao's position comes as riders have been demanding a minimum fare of Rs 25 per kilometre.
Pathao Says Effective Rate Is Around Rs 25
Pathao said its existing fare structure is not based on a flat Rs 25 per kilometre rate.
However, the company claims that when different distances and regular rides are considered together, the effective average fare is around Rs 25 per kilometre.
Its fare structure currently includes:
Base fare
Per-kilometre charge
Per-minute charge
Costs associated with operating and maintaining vehicles
The company said fares are determined by factors including fuel prices, inflation, vehicle costs and depreciation, maintenance and other operating expenses.
Company Says It Has Reduced Its Own Share
Pathao said increased price competition in the market has not resulted in a reduction in riders' earnings from its side.
Instead, the company said it reduced its own share of earnings.
For its bike service, Pathao said it changed its previous commission structure of up to 20 percent and introduced a fixed Rs 12 platform fee, which is included in the fare paid by customers.
According to the company, the fee also includes insurance-related costs for riders and customers.
Rider Benefits and Safety Support
Pathao said it has introduced several programmes aimed at supporting riders beyond the fare they earn from individual rides.
These include:
Insurance coverage
A quick-response team for accidents and emergencies
24-hour call centre support
Fuel assistance
Free motorcycle servicing
Discounts on mobile data, hospitals and other services
Annual education assistance for riders' children
Accident Bed Rest Allowance for riders unable to work because of accidents
Pathao Calls for Common Rules Across Platforms
Pathao also said regulation of the ride-sharing industry should go beyond setting fares.
The company believes the government should establish common standards covering:
Minimum and maximum fares
Insurance
Rider and passenger safety
Complaint handling
Emergency assistance
Pathao said applying the same rules to all platforms would allow companies to compete not only on price but also on service quality, safety, technology and reliability.
Company Says It Wants Sustainable Ride-Sharing Industry
Pathao said its objective is to create a ride-sharing industry where riders can earn a sustainable income while customers receive safe, reliable and reasonably priced services.
The company said it wants the sector to become healthy, fair, organised and sustainable, with common standards applying across the industry.
Key Points
Published 2 days ago in Technology