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With expanded operation, the urban driver app Urbano Norte arrives in Santa Catarina offering monthly subscription to drivers, rides without commission per trip, Woman Driver category, motorcycle transport, and deliveries, in a competition for passengers that already involves 11 cities, including Florianópolis, Palhoça, São José, Brusque, and Chapecó.
The Urbano Norte driver app, a Brazilian platform created in Rondônia, expanded its operation in Santa Catarina in May 2026, operating in 11 cities in the state. The company presents itself as an alternative in the app-based transport market, competing for space with already established models, such as Uber.
According to ND Mais, the arrival occurs in municipalities such as Florianópolis, São José, Palhoça, Biguaçu, Brusque, Chapecó, Canoinhas, Três Barras, Itaiópolis, Mafra, and Rio Negrinho. The main attraction announced for drivers is the monthly subscription model, in which the value of the rides remains entirely with the professional, without commission per trip.
Brazilian app expands presence in Santa Catarina
The Urbano Norte was founded in 2018 and has been expanding its operations across the country. According to information released by the platform itself on its social networks, the app already has more than 7.5 million registered users, 380 million rides completed, and over 40 thousand active drivers in Brazil.
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In Santa Catarina, the advancement of the driver app targets both Greater Florianópolis and inland cities. The headquarters in Florianópolis is located at Avenida Almirante Tamandaré, nº 400, in the Coqueiros neighborhood, a strategic point to monitor the local operation of the platform.
Model promises 100% of the ride value to drivers
For partner drivers, Urbano Norte adopts a fixed monthly subscription system. The proposal is to allow unlimited rides without charging a commission per trip, which means the full amount paid by the passenger goes to the driver.
This model changes the traditional logic of platforms that deduct a percentage from each ride. However, since there is a monthly fee, the real impact for each driver depends on the number of trips made, local demand, and individual operating costs.
Competition with mobility giants enters a new phase
The arrival of a Brazilian driver app in 11 cities in Santa Catarina reinforces the competition for passengers in a market dominated by well-known brands. The comparison with Uber naturally arises because the service offers urban rides, map tracking, and modes similar to those already popular among users.
The difference lies in the attempt to attract drivers through a model without commission per ride. For the passenger, the competition may mean more travel options; for the driver, it can represent a work alternative, provided there is a sufficient volume of calls.
Passengers can choose regular ride, motorcycle, deliveries, and female driver
Urbano Norte offers different modes within the app. Among them are conventional trips, executive service, motorcycle rides, deliveries, and the Female Driver category, aimed at female passengers who prefer female service.
The app also allows real-time tracking of the driver’s movement on the map. Additionally, it shows available vehicles nearby, identifies which are free or occupied, and offers features such as ride sharing, adding stops, and favorite drivers.
Female Driver category attempts to respond to a safety demand
The Female Driver category appears as one of the platform’s differentiators in Santa Catarina. The option was created for female passengers who prefer to be served by female drivers, a demand linked to the feeling of safety in urban travel.
This feature may influence the choice of part of the female audience, especially on night trips or unfamiliar routes. Even so, the efficiency of the category depends on the number of registered drivers and the actual availability in each city served.
Payment by Pix, card, and cash expands options for users
The app accepts payments via Pix, card, and cash, expanding access to the service. The charge, according to the information released, only starts when the passenger enters the vehicle.
This variety can help the driver app reach different audiences, including users who still prefer to pay in cash or who use Pix as their main form of payment. In medium and smaller cities, flexibility is often an important point for adoption.
Operation in 11 cities tests strength outside major centers
The list of municipalities served shows a strategy that is not limited to the capital. Besides Florianópolis, Urbano Norte operates in cities in Greater Florianópolis and the interior of Santa Catarina, such as Brusque, Chapecó, Canoinhas, Mafra, and Rio Negrinho.
This focus may be relevant because the competition for app-based transportation does not occur the same way everywhere. In smaller cities, the number of drivers, wait time, and final price can determine if a platform can remain competitive.
Platform also targets driver loyalty
In addition to the subscription model, Urbano Norte announced a promotion called “Aqui é Brasil,” with a draw for four 50-inch TVs in cities where the app has active operations. The next draws were announced for June 17 and July 15.
According to the disclosed rules, users over 18 years old with an active registration and valid information on the platform can participate. Chances accumulate according to the number of completed rides, while canceled, refunded, or suspicious trips are excluded from the campaign.
Advancement in Santa Catarina shows competition for local transport
The expansion of Urbano Norte in Santa Catarina shows that the app-based transportation market still has room for new models, especially when the proposal tries to differentiate driver compensation. The challenge will be to turn the promise of full earnings into a sustainable operation for drivers and passengers.
Now the question remains: can a driver app with a monthly subscription and no commission per ride compete with larger platforms in Santa Catarina? Do you think drivers should prefer this model, or do the strength of already established apps still weigh more? Share your opinion.
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