Maxim Service Data Reveals South Africa's Holiday Travel Peaks and Key Passenger Profiles

Demand for rides surges sharply as early as one week before the holidays. According to data from the Maxim ride-hailing & delivery, the order peak occurs between December 20 and 25, with an average of 31% more transport bookings than on regular days. The next peak fell on December 31 and January 1, when cars were ordered 35% more frequently.

December is one of the busiest months in the country. As Christmas and New Year's approach, streets fill with people heading out for shopping, family gatherings, and other pre-holiday activities. The most active hours for ordering transport are December 24 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and December 25 from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Among passengers, the most active group is individuals aged 26 to 35, accounting for 39.52% of orders. They are followed by passengers aged 18-25 (29.68%) and 36-45 (18.65%). Passengers over 45 account for 11.13%, while those under 18 make up just 1.02%. Notably, women use the service significantly more often, making 63.53% of orders, compared to 36.47% for men.

Demand dips slightly after Christmas before rising again toward the end of the month. The arrival of the New Year triggers another surge in demand, particularly from December 31 into January 1, when festive events and overnight trips create one of the most pronounced peaks of the entire period. Mobility typically decreases in the first days of January as daily life returns to its usual rhythm, concluding the cycle of high demand.

"December's statistics objectively capture shifts in transport behavior. The analysis shows that the increase in orders directly correlates with key period-specific social activities: finishing shopping, family reunions, and holiday events. Studying these consistent demand patterns holds practical value for planning urban transport infrastructure," Lemphane Lesoli commented a Maxim representative in South Africa.