POPULAR ride-hailing service GrabCar is set to launch in this city, according to Mayor Frederic Siao. The service will initially be rolled out with 500 cars, with more to follow in the future.
Many residents are excited about the news, as the city’s traditional taxis have been criticized for not using meters, leading to disputes over fares and a lack of trust among customers.
GrabCar’s fixed rates and transparent fare calculation are expected to address these concerns. GrabCar is a private car-hiring service that operates through a mobile app. Users can easily book a ride through the app and view information about their driver, including their name and vehicle type.
The fare is automatically calculated by the app, ensuring that riders pay a fair price for their journey. According to GrabCar’s website, users who already have the Grab app will be able to book a GrabCar by selecting the relevant icon at the bottom of the screen.
The app will then display available drivers in the area, along with their estimated time of arrival. Mayor Siao expressed his enthusiasm for the service’s arrival, citing the convenience and affordability it will bring to the community.
The launch date for GrabCar in the city has yet to be announced, but residents are eagerly awaiting the arrival of this new transportation option. According to Rudy Gamboa, the president of Iligan Drivers and Operators Transport Service Cooperative, the arrival of GrabCar in the city does not worry them as they are already aware of the “illegal” habal-habal drivers operating in the area.
He also believes that GrabCar will comply with government regulations. However, Alex Allen, a local taxi operator, expressed concern over the impact of GrabCar’s arrival on the already struggling taxi industry.
He noted that many taxi drivers have stopped operating due to a lack of riders, with only a few taxis still plying their trade.
One possible factor for this is the low daily rental fee for taxis, which is only P500 compared to P1,000 in nearby Cagayan de Oro. Despite these concerns, Mayor Frederic Siao is supportive of GrabCar’s launch, seeing it as a way to increase competition and improve transportation options in the city.
The government is also looking into ways to address concerns raised by taxi operators, such as reducing the daily rental fee. Overall, the arrival of GrabCar in Iligan is eagerly anticipated by residents who are looking for a safe, reliable, and convenient transportation option.
While there may be some challenges for the taxi industry, the competition brought by GrabCar could ultimately benefit consumers.
