Ride-hailing is becoming a more regular part of daily transportation for many Metro Manila residents, as commuters increasingly use apps based on convenience, safety, weather, and the availability of public transport.
Data from ride-hailing platform inDrive show that 74% of Metro Manila residents surveyed had used ride-hailing apps within the previous three months, with users booking rides an average of three times a week.
The figures point to a shift in how urban commuters make transportation decisions. Rather than relying on ride-hailing only for occasional trips, passengers are incorporating app-based transport into different parts of their daily routines.
Why are Filipinos booking ride-hailing trips?
According to inDrive's data, 56% of respondents book a ride-hailing trip when they are in a hurry. Weather is another major factor, with 49% saying they turn to ride-hailing when conditions affect their travel plans.
Other reasons include comfort, access, and safety.
- 32% use ride-hailing to travel more comfortably.
- 30% use it when their destination has limited nearby public transportation.
- 29% choose ride-hailing when traveling late at night or in unfamiliar areas.
Trips from residential areas to malls, airports, and bus terminals also account for significant ride-hailing activity, reflecting the role of app-based transport in connecting commuters to major urban destinations.
The pattern suggests that convenience is becoming more than simply finding a vehicle. For commuters, it can mean having a transportation option that fits a particular schedule, destination, weather condition, or situation.
Passengers are comparing more than fares
Price remains an important consideration, but inDrive's data indicates that passengers are evaluating ride-hailing services on several factors.
Some 78% of respondents said they compare fares across multiple ride-hailing apps before booking. However, the lowest price is not necessarily the deciding factor.
Safety ranks particularly high, with 87% saying they value an app that makes them feel safe while commuting.
Meanwhile, 73% prioritize ride quality over cost. The factors passengers consider include the availability of rides, flexibility when booking, driver behavior, and overall comfort.
For mobility platforms, this means competing for passengers involves more than offering competitive fares. Reliability and the overall experience can also influence which service a commuter chooses.
inDrive sees higher demand in the Philippines
The growing use of ride-hailing is also reflected in inDrive's activity in the country.
The company said its in-city ride requests increased by 155% during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. It has also expanded its active partner-driver base as it works to accommodate the increase in bookings.
“With more Filipinos relying on apps like inDrive for their daily commutes, mobility providers need to keep pace with what passengers need and value,” said Sofia Guinto, inDrive Philippines Country Manager.
She added that the company aims to provide available, convenient, and safe rides while giving passengers greater freedom of choice.
The company is also continuing to onboard qualified partner drivers as demand for app-based transportation grows.
What the shift means for urban mobility
The increasing frequency of ride-hailing use reflects a broader change in how commuters navigate cities.
For passengers, an app can provide another transportation option when time is limited, weather conditions are unfavorable, public transport is less accessible, or a trip requires greater convenience.
As these services become part of regular commuting patterns, factors such as safety, availability, flexibility, and ride quality are becoming increasingly important alongside price.
For mobility companies, the challenge is to respond to these changing expectations while maintaining a reliable supply of drivers and rides as demand grows.
inDrive is a global mobility platform offering ride-hailing and other transportation services. More information about the company and its services is available through its website.