As Angkas, the leader in the motorcycle taxi sector, prepares to get into four-wheel operations (of which Grab is the current leader), Grab is eyeing more locations by the second half this year for its services.
Grab Philippines plans to expand its ride-hailing and food delivery services to key “tourist areas” by the second half particularly more cities in the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, in view of the opening of slots for the Visayas and Mindanao regions by the Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Grab country head Grace Vera Cruz told BusinessWorld that LTFRB, in a resolution dated May 7 and signed by chairman Teofilo Guadiz, that LTFRB opened additional slots for TNVS (or transport network vehicle service 2,300 units in the Visayas and 2,200 units for Mindanao in response to the needs of modern commuters and to address the large demand for transport services.
“For those regions that are open, we are really looking to work with the local government units to ensure that we deliver a good service in those areas,” Vera-Cruz said.
Under the LTFRB resolution, the slots opened in Visayas encompass Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.
For Mindanao, new slots are allocated in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Caraga, and SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City).
“Our transport business will continue to grow because we are enabled by the LTFRB in opening those regions for us,” she said, adding that the company is also expanding its food delivery services to tourist areas.
“For the food business, we still want to grow but we are looking at tourist cities and see if there is enough volume right now,” Vera-Cruz said.
Last month, Grab said it would expand its food delivery services to at least seven new areas in the country within the year, the paper added.
New opportunities
Meanwhile, DBDOYC, Inc., the company behind the Angkas motorcycle taxi app, said it will offer its services to more locations nationwide and is currently preparing to operate four-wheel vehicles, its top official told the Star.
“It is really determining the key cities. I think there is an opportunity for us to be able to expand the Angkas system where it is really needed, especially in the provincial cities,” Angkas Chief Executive Officer George I. Royeca said on the sidelines of the BusinessWorld Economic Forum last week.
“We hope we will get their approval soon. If we could expand to as many cities as possible, that would be great,” he added.
The MC taxi provider is also venturing into the four-wheel business after securing approval to commence operations.
“We have gotten our approval already, so it is just a matter of time. We are in preparation right now. Hopefully, over the next few months, we will see Angcars on the road,” he said.
Royeca said that Angcars will initially launch in Metro Manila, while the fleet size is still being determined.
Angkas expects this new addition to boost the company’s overall operations.
“Well, it is definitely a much bigger base. I think it is going to be a high contributor but our hearts are still focused on developing the informal sector of two-wheels,” Royeca said.
Legitimize motorcycle taxis?
He also said the government should legitimize motorcycle riders as they are a big contributor to the country’s economy.
“The informal workers, such as boatmen, masseuses, and habal-habal drivers, are already working, but without the help of the government and financial services, and proper access to a lot of these different benefits. What’s missing are policies in our economy that recognize them. Through recognizing the informal sector, we could reinforce their work, significantly boost the economy, and uplift millions of Filipinos almost overnight,” he said during a business forum last week.
“On top of the infrastructure, which we know is being taken care of by the private sector, let’s take a look at the human aspect, the human capital and how do we make them informed and empowered members to strive in this economic ecosystem,” he added.
Photo Courtesy: Philstar.com
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