spot_img
28.1 C
Philippines
Friday, March 29, 2024

MICAB: We‘re different from Uber, Grab

- Advertisement -

WITH the current state of Transport Network Vehicle Services in limbo, a third competitor is ready to join the fray.

Mobile Internet-CAB (MICAB), a Cebu-based taxi hailing technology startup, looks very similar to Uber and Grab, but according to its proponents, it is “much different.”

“There are similarities, but our business model is different,” MICAB senior adviser David Vacher put it bluntly during the company’s Memorandum of Agreement and Contract signing with ATOMM (Association of Taxi Operators in Metro Manila) and PNTOA (Philippine National Taxi Operators Association) at the Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas. 

“We don’t work with private drivers. We work with taxis. We offer the same services, the same convenience and the exact same safety and comfort,” Valcher added, noting another clear distinction of the data-powered cab hailing service from Uber and Grab.

MICAB senior adviser David Vacher

“The key difference is we have low booking fees and absolutely no price surges,” Vacher stressed, referring to the fares of the leading transport network companies doubling when demands are high or any reason ranging from app usage, road conditions and traffic.

- Advertisement -

The transport service provider is also planning on a soft launch in less than two months, with a fleet of more than 3,000 vehicles to start its maiden operation in Metro Manila, and the aim of equipping 7,000 taxi units by the end of the year. 

According to the execs, the planned launch has nothing to do with the ongoing issue involving the two TNVS providers, saying that they have been planning for the launch even before the issue arose just a week ago. 

“We have 20,000 taxis in the Philippines, but they are disorganized  so our goal is to optimize the fleet and we are going to do it through this application,” added the senior adviser with plans to incorporate 1,000 to 1,500 taxis per month. 

Featuring a proprietary call and chat system between passengers and drivers, MICAB also has built-in customer support ticketing system with human interaction, credit/debit card options for payment, passenger reward system, and an electronic wallet payment for payment and loyalty points for the driver and in the future, a 1-push emergency button for passengers, who feel threatened during their trip.  

The software is given free of charge. Thanks to a partnership with Smart Communications, the 7-inch Huawei Tablets to be used by the drivers as well as the internet connection and free Wi-Fi on board for the passengers are all for free, pioneering new moving alternatives with emphasis on safety, reliability, affordability, and convenience. 

 Vacher also said that MICAB won’t charge riders for any booking fee to ensure that drivers will gain more. The company also assures that  all the money will go straight to the drivers’ pockets, that’s why associations like ATOMM and PNTOA are backing up the hailing service.

“Taxi operators are one with the passengers looking for a seamless, convenient, safe, and worry-free transport service which everyone can use. This is why we are partnering with MICAB. This allows us to provide maximum convenience to the commuters and let our drivers earn more in the process,” said PNTOA President Atty. Bong Suntay, who was joined by ATOMM vice president Pablo Sarmiento.

- Advertisement -

LATEST NEWS

Popular Articles