Global mobility and urban services platform inDrive is making its way into the Philippines, aiming to address the country’s mobility challenges. With its innovative peer-to-peer model and unique service offerings, the “people-driven” company is poised to revolutionize the local ride-hailing market by providing users with greater transparency and choice.
Arsen Tomsky, the founder and CEO of inDrive, expressed enthusiasm about serving the Filipino population and contributing to the development of the local mobility sector. Recognizing that ride-hailing services have become a necessity rather than a mere convenience, Tomsky emphasized the importance of alleviating the challenges faced by individuals without personal vehicles while simultaneously creating income-generating opportunities for drivers.
In terms of functionality, inDrive’s app sets itself apart from competitors by allowing passengers to propose their desired fares for a ride. Drivers then have the freedom to accept, decline, or counter-offer without any risk of penalty. Unlike algorithm-dictated pricing models, inDrive’s approach fosters transparency, giving both passengers and drivers more control. Passengers can choose from a range of options such as fare, expected arrival time, car model, and driver rating. Likewise, drivers can select the most cost-efficient, profitable, and convenient ride requests.
Safety is a top priority for inDrive. The company conducts comprehensive background checks on prospective drivers, verifying necessary documents, licenses, and permits. Passengers can rate their rides and provide feedback on driver behavior and service quality. The app includes built-in safety features such as real-time GPS tracking during rides and the ability to share trip details with trusted contacts. Additionally, an emergency button is available to contact authorities, and a dedicated support team operates 24/7.
InDrive recognizes the significance of the Asian market and has chosen the Philippines as a focal point for its expansion in Southeast Asia. The company plans to offer its services in major cities like Manila, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, and Baguio. Once established in these key locations, inDrive intends to form partnerships with local companies, aiming to deliver personalized and valuable services to its customers.
Asia holds great importance for inDrive as the region accounted for 60 percent of the global ride-hailing and taxi market in 2022. Statista forecasts the market to reach a value of US$330.80 billion this year. Furthermore, the ride-hailing sector in Southeast Asia alone is expected to be worth US$20 billion by 2025 due to the growing demand for transportation network vehicle services (TNVS) to meet increasing mobility requirements.
InDrive has experienced rapid global expansion and has become one of the world’s fastest-growing ride-hailing service platforms. In 2022, the company was recognized by data.ai (formerly App Annie) as the second most downloaded mobility application worldwide, boasting approximately 175 million downloads. Currently operating in 614 cities across 47 countries, inDrive has regional hubs in the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and CIS countries. Its largest markets include Mexico, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Colombia, and Egypt.
As inDrive continues its global expansion, the company remains committed to emphasizing emerging countries where it can contribute to increasing social mobility in underserved communities. With its entrance into the Philippines, inDrive is poised to transform the ride-hailing landscape, offering Filipinos greater choice, transparency, and convenience while providing drivers with enhanced earning opportunities.
