Following the implementation of a new rerouting scheme aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and improving road flow, Lucena City is currently exploring a shift toward technology-based public transportation.
The local government of Lucena, meanwhile, continues to search for solutions for the betterment of the tricycle drivers' lives and for an organized public transportation system.
“As mobility continues to evolve, we remain open to solutions that can help improve convenience, safety, and opportunities for both drivers and commuters in Lucena,” said Mayor Mark Alcala.
Momentum for this initiative has grown after Mayor Hon. Mark Don Victor Alcala met with PressItNow Co. to review the proposed launch of the Pindot app as part of broader mobility reforms in the city.
PressItNow Co. is the company behind the Pindot app, which is described as the country’s first app-based tricycle hailing service operating via mobile technology.
The meeting was led by PressItNow Co. CEO Dominic L. Bala officially unveiled the application, explaining its purpose and potential advantages for both the local transportation industry and the riding public. Bala explained that the platform's goal is to simplify the process of booking trips and help tricycle drivers secure more consistent daily income.
According to the company, the Pindot app allows passengers to request rides through real-time booking and driver matching based on location within the designated service area. The system also digitally records trip details, which may help enhance transparency, passenger safety, and service monitoring.
Beyond transporting people, the platform also handles delivery services.
This system enables partner drivers to deliver packages and goods to local businesses.
Company representatives suggested that this added feature could generate fresh revenue for drivers and also aid small and medium-sized businesses throughout the city.
The country’s first tricycle hailing application is set to begin operations in Lucena soon, marking another step in the city’s ongoing transportation modernization efforts. Company representatives announced that they are already preparing for the initial rollout phase, coordinating systems ahead of the scheduled launch.
The Pindot app's trial period is set to kick off soon, just ahead of its official rollout in Lucena City later this month.
The initial phase will allow the city government to evaluate the system's performance, how commuters use it, and its impact on the current tricycle transport system. To register, drivers must provide a valid driver's license and a current tricycle franchise, as required by city regulations.
PressItNow Co. stressed that using the platform doesn't replace local permits, and all drivers using the app will still have to follow existing city rules and transportation policies.
Grassroots perspective
As the Pindot app's official launch approaches, anticipation is palpable. Quezonin passengers and tricycle drivers alike are anxious to see what the app will offer.
Rowena Santos, a regular commuter and local business employee, shared her thought.
"I hope that using this app will streamline the process of booking a ride, making it quicker and easier for everyone.We are looking forward to seeing how it can help us save time and feel safer during our commutes," Santos said.
Tricycle driver Ramon Uy commented on the app’s possible benefits for drivers.
"Marami sa amin ang sabik na subukan ang Pindot App. Kung makakatulong ito sa amin na makakuha ng mas maraming pasahero at maging mas stable ang aming pang-araw-araw na kita, malaking tulong ito para sa aming mga pamilya. Naghihintay lang kami sa rollout at umaasa na magiging patas ito para sa lahat ng driver," said Uy.
Fruit shop owner Sheila Ramirez also welcomed the delivery service feature.
"Madalas kaming nangangailangan ng maaasahang delivery partners para sa aming mga prutas mula sa Procy Market. Sa Pindot App, umaasa kaming maaabot namin ang mas maraming customer at masisiguro ang mabilis na paghahatid," sabi ni Ramirez.
Some tricycle drivers, however, expressed concern that they might earn less with Pindot Apps."
"Hoping po na mas makatulong nga yan sa mga trike driver kasi every other day na nga lang po ang pasada mahina pa ang kita tapos mag kaka app pa pano po kung hindi sila ma book ay di lalo pong walang kikitain mas marami pong pamilya ang lalong magigipit," said Jocelyn Abadilla in a Facebook post.
Lucena City's digital transformation hinges on the Pindot app's success. This success will depend on how well the app can juggle the needs of everyone involved. It must be fair to the drivers, easy for commuters, and good for local businesses. And, of course, it must still follow the city's transportation rules.
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