How to Split Travel Costs with RideMates: A Complete Guide

Travel in Australia isn’t cheap. Between fuel, tolls, parking, and vehicle maintenance, getting from A to B adds up fast. But what if you could split those costs with someone heading the same way?

That’s exactly what RideMates is built for. Whether you’re a driver with empty seats or a passenger looking for affordable travel, this guide shows you how to make the most of cost-sharing on Australia’s rideshare platform.

How Cost Splitting Works on RideMates

The concept is simple: drivers post rides they’re already making, and passengers book available seats. The driver sets the price per seat, and passengers pay securely through the app.

Drivers keep 100% of their fare — RideMates charges a small service fee to passengers only
No cash changes hands — everything is processed securely via Stripe
Transparent pricing — the price you see is the price you pay

For Drivers: How to Price Your Ride

When posting a ride on RideMates, the app suggests a recommended price based on your route distance and current fuel costs. Here’s how to think about pricing:

The Formula

Total fuel cost ÷ Number of seats offered = Price per seat

For example, a Sydney to Canberra trip (280 km):

Fuel cost: ~$58 (at $2.20/litre, 9.5L/100km)
You offer 3 seats at $25 each
You earn $75 from passengers
Your trip costs you nothing — you actually profit $17

Pricing Tips

Check competitor prices — see what similar routes are listed at
Factor in tolls if applicable (e.g., Sydney’s M2, M5, or Harbour Bridge)
Be competitive but fair — passengers compare options
Consider offering a small discount for longer routes to attract more bookings

For Passengers: How to Find the Best Deals

1. Book Early

The most affordable rides get snapped up first. Search for your route a few days in advance for the best selection.

2. Be Flexible with Dates

If you can travel a day earlier or later, you might find a significantly cheaper ride.

3. Check Driver Ratings

RideMates shows driver ratings and verification status. Look for verified drivers with good reviews for the best experience.

4. Compare Routes

Sometimes a slightly different pickup or dropoff point can save you money. Consider nearby suburbs or meeting points.

Real Savings: Monthly Commuter Example

Let’s say you commute from Geelong to Melbourne CBD daily (75 km each way):

Expense	Driving Alone	Ridesharing
Monthly fuel	$700	$350 (split)
Tolls	$200	$100 (split)
Parking	$300	$0 (passenger)
Total monthly	$1,200	$450
Annual savings		$9,000

That’s $9,000 a year back in your pocket. Enough for a holiday, a new laptop, or a solid dent in your mortgage.

Safety and Trust

We know sharing a ride with a stranger requires trust. That’s why RideMates includes:

Identity verification — users can verify with a government ID and selfie
Ratings and reviews — see what other travellers say
In-app messaging — chat with your driver/passenger before the trip
Secure payments — no cash, everything through Stripe
24-hour cancellation policy — flexibility when plans change

Get Started

Ready to start splitting travel costs? Download RideMates and post your first ride or search for an affordable trip today.