Ride hailers, rejoice! There’s a new contender in town. Global mobility and urban services platform inDrive has received official accreditation from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as a Transport Network Company (TNC), allowing the company to offer ride-hailing services to Filipinos. Here’s what we know so far about the new ride-hailing service app:

What services does inDrive offer?

Best known for its “people-driven” approach, inDrive allows drivers and passengers to negotiate fares and even choose their rides.

Unlike most ride-hailing apps, inDrive offers users more choice and control over their experience. Passengers can select their preferred driver, and vice versa. Once a ride request is confirmed, passengers are presented with a list of available drivers, allowing them to choose based on preferences like driver rating, vehicle model, and estimated time of arrival. The same goes for drivers, who can freely choose the ride requests they receive without incurring penalties.

On top of this, inDrive puts heavy emphasis on safety, as demonstrated through various features:

• Real-time sharing of GPS location and ride details with trusted contacts.
• A dedicated emergency button connecting users directly with law enforcement agencies.
• A chat function for private communication between passengers and drivers.
• 24/7 support via in-app chat and email.
• A stringent driver registration process.

Aside from ride-hailing services, users may also use inDrive to have items such as documents, groceries, and other packages delivered to another address.

Where is inDrive available?

Before entering the Philippine market, the California-headquarted service app has already established its presence in over 700 cities and 45 countries, including three countries in the Southeast Asian region, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

For its initial phase in the Philippines, inDrive will make its services available in five cities, namely:

• Bacolod
• Baguio
• Iloilo City
• Cagayan de Oro
• Butuan

Is inDrive accepting new drivers?

inDrive is expected to expand its services in the country after holding driver recruitment initiatives in order to keep up with the market’s demands.

As a start, inDrive is currently running a driver registration campaign in the five cities from now until 31 December where drivers who have successfully registered with the platform will receive a fuel voucher worth USD 10. To participate, drivers must ensure they possess all the necessary accreditations.

In addition, drivers can use the app without having to pay service fees when accepting rides for the starting period.

How do you use inDrive?

• Download the app on Apple Store, Google Play Store, or the App Gallery.
• Create an account by entering your mobile number. You will receive a 4-digit code to verify your account.
• Enter your name. Your account is now live!
• To book a ride, input your pickup and drop-off location. The estimated travel time and the recommended price
  will show up on your screen.
• Input a reasonable fare of your choice and negotiate with your driver.
• Once you and your driver have agreed on a price, you can now enjoy your inDrive ride comfortably.

How much do inDrive’s services cost?

For example, a ride in Baguio City from the Microtel by Wyndham Baguio to BenCab Museum will traverse about 10 kilometers over an estimated travel time of 25 minutes. inDrive recommends a fare of PHP 278 for such a ride.

But as mentioned earlier, the fare usually depends on how your negotiations with your driver go. While a recommended price is provided depending on the distance and time travelled, you may haggle with your driver until you arrive at a price you both agree with.

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