Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work as a taxi driver or courier? The Polish Association of App Partners has just published the largest-ever survey of the gig-worker market in Poland. Find out what working with apps really looks like and discover the experiences of people who have already chosen this career path.
Who are today’s app-based drivers and couriers?
The latest PZPA study sheds light on the employment structure within the app-based work sector. As many as 47% of respondents work as couriers, while 44% provide services as taxi drivers. Interestingly, 9% of respondents combine both roles, maximizing their earning potential. This demonstrates that today’s job market is extremely flexible and allows for combining various forms of income.
It’s worth noting that the profile of a modern driver or courier differs significantly from the stereotypical image. These are often educated individuals who treat this work as an additional source of income or make a conscious choice due to the flexible employment model. Many are students, young parents, or self-employed people who value their independence.
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Flexibility – the biggest advantage of app-based work
The key aspect attracting people to work as drivers or couriers is flexibility. The study revealed the following trends:
- 60% of workers use at least two apps simultaneously, which helps optimize their earnings
- Some use as many as 4–5 apps in a single day, maximizing their earning opportunities
- 42% work less than 40 hours a week, indicating that this job is often treated as an additional source of income
- 22% report variable working hours (“sometimes less, sometimes more”), adjusting to their own needs and possibilities
This flexibility also translates into the ability to adjust work intensity to personal plans and commitments. Drivers and couriers can increase their working hours during periods of higher financial need or reduce them during holidays or other activities.
The future of the app-based work market
The PZPA study points to a clear growth trend in the gig economy sector. Experts predict that by 2027, the number of people working in the app-based model will increase by another 30%. This is due not only to changes in the job market but also to rising consumer expectations for speed and availability of services. App platforms are actively responding to these trends, introducing new technological solutions and improvements designed to make life easier for drivers and couriers.
Freedom to choose working hours
The most striking result of the study is that as many as 90% of platform workers value the ability to decide their own working hours. They do not want set hours or a fixed number of jobs imposed from above. This autonomy allows for:
- Adapting work hours to their personal daily rhythm
- Combining work with other responsibilities
- Flexible planning of holidays and days off
- Increasing work intensity during periods of higher demand for services
Impact on the local economy
The development of the app-based work sector has a significant impact on the local economy. According to PZPA data, on average, an active driver or courier generates about 15,000–20,000 PLN in turnover for the local economy each month. This includes not only direct income from completed jobs, but also expenses related to vehicle maintenance, fuel, or service costs. This shows that the sector is becoming an important part of the economic ecosystem of Polish cities, creating new opportunities both for workers and local entrepreneurs.
How to start working as a driver or courier?
If you’re interested in working as a taxi driver or courier, here are the detailed steps:
Choose the right app or platform:
- Analyze the available options on the market
- Compare cooperation terms
- Check formal requirements
Prepare the required documents:
- Valid driving license
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Medical examination
- Vehicle documents (if using your own car)
Go through the verification process:
- Submit a complete set of documents
- Attend training (if required)
- Pass the safety verification
Plan a flexible work schedule:
- Set your preferred working hours
- Choose the most profitable zones
- Familiarize yourself with the bonus and incentive system
Summary
Working as a taxi driver or app-based courier is currently one of the most popular forms of employment in the gig economy model. It offers:
- Flexible working hours tailored to individual needs
- The possibility to combine multiple platforms to maximize profits
- Independence in organizing working time and choosing assignments
- An opportunity for additional or main income without long-term commitments
- No need for prior industry experience
- The chance to develop and meet new people
BECOME A TAXI DRIVER
Work and earn right away!
