Uber
(Free on Android/iOS/Windows Phone)
First step: You will need to sign up with your e-mail address and a credit card. No credit card, no go. We tried signing up using a debit card and Globe’s Virtual Amex card but both were rejected. There’s no getting around the credit card bit, which could pose a problem, as a lot of Filipinos are still wary of owning a credit card. Since Uber drivers are not allowed to handle cash, it would be great if the app could allow payments using debit cards or GCash.
Why it rocks: Uber has the best fleet of cars; some even smell like fragrant mobile spas mixed with the delicious aroma of leather seats. Majority of drivers are courteous, friendly, and expert navigators. The cars are well-maintained and you can even consider it as a “test drive” if you’re thinking of buying a car with a similar make or model. We’ve even seen Instagram photos of a mythical Mini Cooper Uber ride and we’re hoping to get lucky soon and have it arrive as our ride for the day.
Why it sucks: Uber is a godsend when there are cars available. But during rush hour, these magical cars disappear in the blink of an eye. Should you ever find yourself riding an Uber during peak hours, expect to pay more than double the normal rate! A one-and-a-half hour trip from the Inquirer office to Manila Peninsula hotel (Thursday, 7 p.m.) cost us P419, which was exorbitant because our destination was only 2.82 kilometers away.
But it could swing the other way. One Saturday trip from Bonifacio Global City to Mandaluyong cost us only P87, which was way cheaper than if we had driven a car and paid for parking.
Uber also needs to increase its fleet not just to accommodate passengers during rush hour but also to be able to pick up passengers who live far away from the city centers where the black cars are often found.
GrabTaxi/Easy Taxi
Free on Android/iOS/Windows Phone
First step: You will need to register with the app so that the service can track your trip and you can book taxis with ease.
Why it rocks: The taxi service’s tracking feature gives passengers peace of mind. You can send your current whereabouts to loved ones so they know where you are. The best part? Even taxi drivers love the service because it makes them feel safe and secure, too. The ones we’ve talked to love the fact that they know their passenger, which eliminates the risks of someone running off without paying their fare, or being robbed by a group of passengers.
Why it sucks: Because of the booking fee added on top of the metered fare, a cab driver stands to make more by just plying a specific route, say, just the Makati business district, and amassing enough app bookers. The cab drivers are given a commission from the booking fee; logically speaking, they’ll make more going around short distances versus booking just one passenger who lives far away—which will cost more gas and prevent him from booking more passengers. Tatin Yang,
Contributor
