Wunder kids, we have some sad, sad news. Earlier today, users of carpooling app Wunder started receiving e-mails from the Wunder admin, revealing they’ll be out of the market and stop their operations in Manila soon. Like Jun. 28 soon. Again, why can’t we have nice things?
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According to their e-mail, Wunder is “shifting [their] focus towards collaborations with country and city governments” with the goal of being accessible to everyone. On their site, they further expressed they need to focus their resources in “other mobility niches” so as to level up their vision—to improve other people’s lives through mobility—worldwide.
Known as a mobility solutions platform, Wunder has helped commuters of Metro Manila in various ways. What makes the ride-hailing app stand out is how it matches drivers and passengers going to a particular route. This has made it economic- and environment-friendly.
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Digital marketing associate Allyssa Mallari liked Wunder because of its “convenience and the negotiable, if not cheaper, fares.” She adds that she feels relatively safer when using the app, since she gets to ride with passengers who are either workmates or “those who became friends through the ride.”
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Sarah Ang*, a writer, also likes the cheaper rates provided by Wunder. She dubs the app a “lifesaver” especially when she travels in busy areas like BGC during rush hour, “when it’s almost impossible to get a Grab.” Aside from this, drivers have always been friendly and accommodating, even “going out of their way to drop you off somewhere safer and more convenient.”
In December 2017, the LTFRB called out Wunder’s business model for not obeying their policies and having no accreditation.
Unless we continue pursuing carpooling without Wunder’s initiative, we’re back on heavy rates and even heavier traffic now. And maybe more awkward silences with our co-passengers, secretly mourning over our expenses for the day.
Art by Martin Diegor