Global ride-hailing service inDrive has officially resumed local operations, partnering with local transport group Laban TNVS in a bid to provide better service.

In its return to the Philippine market, inDrive highlighted its transparent services that benefit both passengers and drivers. The California-based ride-hailing service avoids using algorithms to determine riding fares and implementing surge charges, presenting passengers with lower and stabler rates even during rush hour. Passengers also have the capability to directly pay their drivers via cash or online transfer.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) accredited inDrive in December 2023, but temporarily suspended its operations in January on allegations of fare haggling. The suspension was lifted in June.

“We are excited to resume operations here in the Philippines,” said Afanasii Petrov, inDrive’s Business Development Manager for Southeast Asia Macroregion, APAC. “Filipinos need more options for ride-hailing services as much as drivers need more sources of income. We believe that our app and this partnership will significantly  bridge the gaps in the industry.”

Partnership with Transport Group

Further, inDrive has partnered with Laban TNVS, a group that has long advocated for the regulation of ride-hailing apps’ commission rates. Through this partnership, inDrive and Laban TNVS “will strive to open more income opportunities to Filipino drivers,” the company said in a statement. inDrive will provide its services free of charge to its members during its first two to six months of operations. After this period, inDrive will implement a service charge of 10% on all transactions. 

Asked about the partnership with the transport group, Petrov said, “We wanted to break barriers and get to the bottom line of our drivers’ concerns. This way, we can address them immediately and provide better services to our passengers.” 

Laban TNVS President Jun De Leon is optimistic about the development, saying, “Our members will benefit from the partnership, especially since inDrive has the lowest service charge in the market. Now, our partner drivers can take home more of their earnings to their families.” 

A Different Business Model for Ride-Hailing

In addition, inDrive said it prioritizes its passengers’ and drivers’ safety thanks to its enhanced safety measures. The company scaled its driver recruitment process to ensure that drivers are qualified and compliant with legal requirements, including proper documentation.

The company’s peer-to-peer business model remains the same, promoting freedom of choice among its users. inDrive allows passengers to choose their driver and vice versa. Here, passengers can check the driver’s rating, car model, and history on the road before accepting the ride. As for the drivers, they may choose their passengers by checking their profiles and desired routes to their destination. 

Both parties may also share their ride details with their families and friends, covering the route, details about the driver, passenger, vehicle, and real-time trip status.  

The platform will only operate four-seaters in the meantime, while updates on taxi and six-seater options will follow soon, the company said.