• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Global mobility platform inDrive has formally established its physical presence in Bacolod City with the opening of its Driver Centre along Burgos Extension in Barangay Villamonte Jan. 20.
This as the ride-hailing service logged a 30 percent growth in active passengers since it started operations in Bacolod in 2024, while rides increased by 127 percent.
“We’ve seen a really strong growth in Bacolod, a testament on how warm and accepting Bacolod is to the services of inDrive…(and) craving for another player in the ride-hailing segment,” Sofia Guinto, head of Business Development for inDrive Philippines, said in a press conference at the opening of the driver hub.
The centre will serve as a dedicated hub for partner drivers, for onboarding, driver support and trainings, as well as feedback sessions and community engagement, Vanessa Taqueban, Driver Operations lead, said.
Through this expansion, inDrive aims to work more closely with local stakeholders while reinforcing its role as a reliable, safe, and people-driven mobility platform, ensuring that, as Bacolod grows, its mobility options grow alongside it.
“Being present in Bacolod allows us to better understand the day-to-day transport challenges faced by both drivers and passengers. This dedicated hub enables us to support our partner drivers more effectively and engage more meaningfully with the community,” Taqueban said.
Guinto said that inDrive is still offering the lowest commission rate at 10 percent, and covering the full 20 percent discount for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and students.
“This means more earnings for our drivers,” she stressed as partner drivers retain up to 90 percent of their earnings, providing them with greater income security amid rising operational costs, while passengers benefit from more affordable ride options.
The low-commission structure reflects inDrive’s commitment to building a more balanced ride-hailing ecosystem, one that supports driver livelihoods without passing additional costs on to commuters, it stressed.
inDrive operates in 982 cities in 48 countries. It entered the Philippine market in 2024 and established its presence in key areas, like Bacolod, Metro Manila, Cebu, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Bicol, and Butuan, with around a thousand partner drivers, including taxis and TNVS (Transportation Network Vehicle Service).
The opening of its Bacolod office is part of inDrive’s broader strategy to deepen its roots in the Visayas and other growth areas nationwide. “Through closer engagement with local stakeholders and communities, inDrive seeks to encourage meaningful conversations around fair mobility while establishing itself as a trusted ride-hailing partner in the region.”
“Our official launch in Bacolod is a testament to our confidence in the region’s potential,” Guinto stressed in a statement. “We want to ensure that, as Bacolod moves forward, its residents have access to a mobility partner that truly listens and empowers.” | CGC
