One of the things I hate about living in Manila is commuting. There's pollution, horrible traffic, fighting with other commuters and choosy cab drivers during rush hour. Not to mention the terrible news you hear about ladies being drugged, robbed and raped, worse killed. All these things make me anxious making commuting such an unpleasant experience for me).
1. Download the GrabTaxi app via Google Play or the App Store. Then register and complete your user profile. This is part of the security measure because they can track which driver picked up which passenger, and the system can also track the entire trip.
2. To book a ride, you need to select your location or your pick up point and your destination or drop off point. You will see the number of taxis nearby and an estimated fare amount.
3. If a driver accepts your booking you'll see the driver details- name, his picture, mobile number and taxi plate number (these details you can send to your family/friend for their info). You'll also know how far he is from you and the estimated time he can pick you up.
4. Once you're picked up, you'll also see your real-time distance from your destination on the map.
Uber
1. Download the Uber app via Google Play or the App Store. Then register and complete your user profile. Same as GrabTaxi, this is a security measure. You will also need to provide your credit card number to complete the registration. Don't worry, you will not get charged unless you book for a ride.
2. To book a ride, the app will automatically detect your pick-up location and it will already show you if there are any black cars available in your vicinity.
3. Then you need to input your drop-off location and wait for a driver to accept your booking. Once accepted, you will see his details, just like GrabTaxi's. You will also get an estimated cost computation.
4. Same as GrabTaxi, once you're picked up, you will also see your real-time movement on the map via GPS.
I really liked the private car feel of Uber, and it was especially convenient when you have lots of things to lug around. I was moving houses then when I rode with them and I felt very safe and comfortable with them.
So now there other commuting options here in the Metro, try them out and experience them for yourselves. They won't help with traffic but at least there are now safer alternatives to public transport.
Good thing I found 2 great new ways of moving around the metro: GrabTaxi and Uber!
GrabTaxi
GrabTaxi is a taxi booking app that has been in the country for at least a year. I've been able to ride their taxis several times and all have been pleasant. Downside is, during rush hour, it's hard to book one especially if you're coming from the CBD areas because you have lots of competition there.
How it works:
1. Download the GrabTaxi app via Google Play or the App Store. Then register and complete your user profile. This is part of the security measure because they can track which driver picked up which passenger, and the system can also track the entire trip.2. To book a ride, you need to select your location or your pick up point and your destination or drop off point. You will see the number of taxis nearby and an estimated fare amount.
3. If a driver accepts your booking you'll see the driver details- name, his picture, mobile number and taxi plate number (these details you can send to your family/friend for their info). You'll also know how far he is from you and the estimated time he can pick you up.
4. Once you're picked up, you'll also see your real-time distance from your destination on the map.
How much:
On top of the usual taxi fare (Php40 flag-down rate plus Php3.50 for every), you just pay an extra Php70 or Php50 if you are a Globe mobile subscriber. For me, this is a reasonable premium to pay for security and convenience.
Uber
Unlike GrabTaxi, Uber utilizes private cars. Yes, when you book for a ride, a black private car picks you up right outside your door! The downside though, is that Uber has fewer units than GrabTaxi so it might be harder to get a ride.
How it works:
1. Download the Uber app via Google Play or the App Store. Then register and complete your user profile. Same as GrabTaxi, this is a security measure. You will also need to provide your credit card number to complete the registration. Don't worry, you will not get charged unless you book for a ride.2. To book a ride, the app will automatically detect your pick-up location and it will already show you if there are any black cars available in your vicinity.
3. Then you need to input your drop-off location and wait for a driver to accept your booking. Once accepted, you will see his details, just like GrabTaxi's. You will also get an estimated cost computation.
4. Same as GrabTaxi, once you're picked up, you will also see your real-time movement on the map via GPS.
How much?
Uber is a bit more expensive than GrabTaxi as it's basically like having a private driver. The base fare is Php90 plus a per minute fee of Php2.10 and per kilometer fee of Php12.92. They have a minimum fare of P120, and if you need to cancel you're charged a cancellation fee of Php100. What I liked about it though is that it's charged to your credit card so it's ok if you don't have enough cash, and you will also get a receipt sent to your email address. If you feel that the price is pretty steep, I read from their website that you can split a ride with someone, although I have yet to try this with them.
I really liked the private car feel of Uber, and it was especially convenient when you have lots of things to lug around. I was moving houses then when I rode with them and I felt very safe and comfortable with them.
So now there other commuting options here in the Metro, try them out and experience them for yourselves. They won't help with traffic but at least there are now safer alternatives to public transport.
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