US-based ride-hailing firm inDrive has secured approval to resume its commercial operation in the country.
In an order dated June 4, 2024, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has permitted RL Soft Corp., operator of inDrive, to resume its operation as a transport network company with a stern warning after five months of suspension.
During the hearing, inDrive demonstrated its revised booking process from the start to the end of the trip from both the passenger’s and driver’s applications.
In the passenger’s application, the haggling of fares with the driver has been removed, making it compliant with the LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2019-036 that provides for the appropriate fares.
inDrive started operating last December but was suspended on January 23, 2024, due to a complaint on its fare mechanism.
Meanwhile, inDrive said it has the lowest service charge in the market that allows driver-partners to earn more.
inDrive said it is aiming for a wider reach as it announces a strategic partnership with local transport group, Laban TNVS.
“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,” he added.
Through this partnership, inDrive and Laban TNVS will strive to open more income opportunities to Filipino drivers as inDrive will provide its services free of charge to its members during its first two to six months of operations.
After that period, inDrive will implement a service charge of 10 percent in all transactions.
By using inDrive, drivers can connect with passengers, promptly receive ride requests, navigate potential routes and facilitate smooth transactions.
“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,” said Jun De Leon, Laban TNVS president.
As inDrive reintroduces itself to the market, the platform noted its transparent services that benefit passengers and drivers. It said it avoids using algorithms to determine riding fares and implementing surge charges.
Passengers may also directly pay their drivers via cash or online transfer, inDrive added. These mechanisms present passengers with lower and stabler rates, even during rush hour.
