Commuting and public transportation in the Philippines can be quite a challenge: crowded buses, long queues, the infamous Philippine traffic jams, and the lack of efficient and reliable transportation options in general.
Well, there’s big news on the horizon. inDrive, the US-based ride-hailing service, is gearing up to launch in the Philippines soon—and it could potentially disrupt the ride-hailing market with its unique peer-to-peer model and service offerings that provide users with greater transparency and choice.
“We are looking forward to serving Filipinos and strengthening the local mobility sector,” said Arsen Tomsky, inDrive founder and CEO. “Ride-hailing services are not just a matter of convenience, but a necessity. As the world returns to its busy state, moving around can be a challenge, particularly for people who do not own vehicles. We hope to ease this burden, while providing opportunities for drivers to earn more.”
inDrive’s app allows passengers to propose a fare for their ride. Drivers can accept, decline, or make a counter-offer, without the risk of being penalized.
Unlike other mobility apps, inDrive’s fares are not dictated by an algorithm; the app thus provides greater transparency to both parties, giving passengers greater freedom of choice, and drivers greater control over their income.
The app also provides passengers with a broad range of options when selecting their ride, including fare, expected arrival time, car model, and driver rating.
Similarly, drivers can choose to accept ride requests that they deem cost-efficient, profitable and convenient.
To ensure safety, applicant drivers go through comprehensive background checks, including verification of necessary documents, licenses, and permits. Passengers can rate their rides and provide feedback on driver behavior and service quality.
In addition, the app has built-in safety features, including sharing trip details and real-time GPS tracking with trusted contacts, as well as an emergency button to contact authorities, and a dedicated support team on hand 24/7.
inDrive is looking to offer its services in Manila, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, and Baguio.
The ride-hailing service currently operates in 614 cities in 47 countries, with regional hubs in the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and countries in the CIS. Its largest markets are Mexico, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Columbia and Egypt.
