‘3 in 4 in NCR booking more ride-hailing trips’

<manila philippines> - A recent survey by mobility app inDrive has revealed that three-quarters of Filipinos living in Metro Manila are increasingly opting for ride-hailing apps to navigate the region. In the past three months, 74 percent of Metro Manila residents have booked a ride-hailing trip at least once. The average usage of these apps has surged to three times per week, as people choose to spend more for comfort and convenience.

The majority of Filipinos, over half, choose to book ride-hailing services when they are in a hurry, avoiding the usual long queues for buses and trains. Furthermore, 49 percent pay for private rides during severe weather conditions, while 29 percent opt for private rides for safety reasons, such as late-night travel or unfamiliar locations.

The demand for ride-hailing apps is also driven by the lack of reliable transport in some districts. Safety is a significant concern, with 29 percent of respondents preferring private rides when going home late or to unknown places. Filipinos are becoming more discerning when it comes to their ride-hailing providers, with 78 percent opening different apps to compare fares before booking.

Quality over cost is now a priority, with 73 percent prioritizing factors like ride availability, booking flexibility, and driver ratings. inDrive Philippines Country Manager Sofia Guinto noted that Filipinos are now integrating ride-hailing as one of their main modes of daily transportation. This shift presents an opportunity for inDrive and other ride-hailing apps to introduce more services catering to evolving needs.

However, this adoption also presents a challenge for ride-hailing apps to improve their service quality. inDrive, with its lower commission rate of 10 percent compared to competitors who deduct up to 25 percent, has seen a significant increase in bookings, posting a 2.5-times rise in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year. Guinto emphasized that as more Filipinos rely on apps like inDrive for daily commuting, mobility providers need to keep pace with passengers' needs and values.