In this episode, Harry talks with Ashwini Anburajan, CEO of Obi, the world’s leading rideshare price aggregation app — often called the “Kayak for rideshare.” Obi lets users compare prices and ETAs from major rideshare platforms in over 175 countries, serving 1.1 million+ users globally. Beyond the consumer-facing app, Obi’s powerful pricing analytics and data products are now used by rideshare companies, banks, governments, and financial institutions worldwide.
Ashwini shares how Obi is reshaping how people make decisions about rideshare, what their data reveals about global pricing trends, and why autonomous vehicles (AVs) like Waymo are already changing rider behavior — even at a higher cost.
The conversation also covers Obi’s international growth, consumer loyalty patterns, and how pricing transparency (or lack thereof) is shaping the next decade of urban mobility.
Listen to The Driverless Digest With Obi CEO Ashwini Anburajan
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Quick Takeaways
- Obi is building the “Kayak for rideshare,” giving users a single place to compare prices and ETAs across major platforms in 175+ countries.
- The app has grown to over 1.1 million users and is free to use, with revenue generated through data and analytics products for companies and institutions.
- Pricing data shows a 20% average difference between Uber and Lyft in the U.S., with price gaps reaching 50% or more in some international markets.
- Loyalty remains a factor, with around 20% of users sticking to one platform, but most riders compare prices before booking.
- Rideshare prices have increased by 15% to 20% since pre-pandemic, driven by regulation, insurance, and changing market dynamics.
- Waymo rides cost 30% to 40% more on average, yet riders are willing to pay for the premium, driverless experience and improved ride quality.
- Surveys show that 70% of riders prefer autonomous rides after trying them, and many feel comfortable sending family members in a Waymo.
- Partnerships like Waymo on Uber and Waymo x Lyft (coming in 2026) will expand access to AV technology and accelerate mainstream adoption.
- Obi now integrates more than 20 international providers, helping global travelers easily compare options across different markets.
- As the number of AV and human-driven platforms grows, Obi aims to become the central hub for navigating a multi-platform rideshare future.
- Apply to attend our Urban Autonomy Summit here
- Obi: https://rideobi.com
- Ashwini Anburajan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanburajan
- Ashwini Anburajan’s Twitter: https://x.com/anburajan
- TechCrunch Article on Obi’s Waymo Pricing Data – Waymo Rides Cost More Than Uber or Lyft — and People are Paying Anyway
- Obi’s Waymo Pricing Data – The Road Ahead: Pricing Insights On Waymo, Uber and Lyft
- Harry’s Newsletter: The Driverless Digest
Watch The Podcast On YouTube
Watch our YouTube episode to hear Alto’s take on fleet-driven rideshare and how it fits into the future of autonomous vehicles. While you’re there, hit subscribe!
