Some parents are lucky to have cars so going around the metro isn’t a problem. My issue isn’t about having a car or not, I really dislike driving. Just the thought of getting behind the wheel scares me and stresses me out. So, for local travel needs, I usually resort to cabs. Of late though, there have been many many reports of criminal activities related to cab rides. Thankfully, many services seeking to offer a secure ride home have started cropping up in the Philippines:
So far, the top three in my list are:
- Uber
- GrabTaxi
- Easy Taxi
There are pros and cons for each service provider so we’re breaking it down for parents who need a quick ride that is safe and convenient especially when they are travelling around Metro Manila with small kids.
Grab Taxi – One of the first providers to offer this unique service. I’ve used them several times and I’m highly satisfied with both the app/service and the cabs I’ve been in. I would love to get on one of those special cabs, especially the pink one with ears and a tail. I’m sure my daughter would love that.
Pros: Easy to use. You need to download the app so you will need a smartphone but I’ve also seen some kiosks in malls like SM before so it’s easy to use even if you don’t have the app installed. They offer a lot of promos for free rides and discounted rates.
Cons: It can get expensive. On top of the flag down and the metered rate, you will need to add P70 for their service fee. Depending on where you’re coming from and the time of the day, it can still get difficult to get a cab. I usually need one from Makati to the South at rush hour, sometimes even if I put an offer for a P100 tip, I still can’t get a ride.
More info here: http://grabtaxi.com/manila-philippines/
Easy Taxi – This one is operated by the same group that owns Lazada and Zalora, as such, they have excellent customer service. On my first ride with them, I even got a call from their call center to check if I am in the cab and satisfied with the service (this is at 10pm). Kudos for that.
Pros: Their pricing is often better than GrabTaxi. They have promos more often that means you don’t even have to pay the service fee on top of the flag down and metered fare. Last I used it the service fee is only P50) Great customer service. Surprisingly easier to get a cab even if you don’t indicate a tip. The cabs they have are newer compared to GrabTaxi. I also love that the app makes a sound once a cab is assigned so I can work on other things in my phone while waiting for it to find a cab.
Cons: If you don’t have a smart phone to download the app in, you won’t be able to use the service. I know it works via GPS, but sometimes mine is set in the US and takes a while to map where I am. It’s also difficult to find the location when typing it in the app. If it can’t find a cab, you will need to re-enter your details (whereas GrabTaxi saves it so re-trying is easier)
More info here: http://www.easytaxi.com/ph
Uber – This is my personal favorite. It revolutionized the transport booking service by getting private drivers into the game. Plus, it’s a great way to make extra cash if your vehicle meets the standards and you have extra time on your hands. The Uber drivers are great and the cars are nice and clean. You get all the information you need so it’s safe to use. UberX are the normal, but newer sedan types. UberBLACK are the high end cars and SUVs.
Pros: Easy to use app. I love how it maps exactly where the driver is (as in you see that small vehicle icon making tiny turns on the exact street names). Cashless transactions make it safer and more convenient. Love the cars! Try Uber Black if you can afford it. It’s a great service if you’re going to a business meeting and want to be in a nice car. They usually charge lower than cabs (except during rush hour when the price doubles), the app can quote you the price.
Cons: You can’t use if you don’t have a credit card and a smartphone. They’re in a heap of trouble with LTRFB and with some cases in other countries (like the rape case in India) but I don’t think it affects the service here.
More info here: https://www.uber.com/cities/manila
Have a safe ride home!
I’ve tried Grab taxi and easy taxi. I have yet to try uber. Will try it out soon based on your recommendations. thanks for sharing!
I wanted to try out uber kaso nga lang wala akong credit card.. as for the other two I had a less than happy experience with them.. so balik jeepneys ako hahaha
Actually, you can also use a debit card as log as it’s Visa or Mastercard. There are times that this is iffy but I use Uber with a Metrobank debit card with no issues. Hope this helps.
Thanks for sharing that! I’ve tried using a debit card also, but it gets blocked once funds run out. Hehe.
havent tried these apps & services yet though I already have an account with Uber. My daily transportation mostly involved PUVs. Mas tipid!
I haven’t actually tried any of the three..but I’ve heard the Uber is nice, expensive nga lang.
While admittedly more expensive than a jeep or an FX, it’s actually more budget-friendly than a taxi.
This is quiet helpful. Thanks so much.
This is quite helpful. Thanks so much!
I love love LOVE Uber. As in. I find it really safe and convenient. I also dont like driving. But I really think I should practice driving coz of the tot.
haven’t tried any of those 3 but if given a chance, I’d go for Uber why? coz of the cars being used for pick-up. hihi! Super cool!
I use both Uber and GrabTaxi but I like Uber best!!! As in I recommended it to all my friends and family and okay yung service. There was just this one time na bad yung driver ko, nag-overcharge but if you report it immeditalely, ibabalik naman nila yung money mo.
In Manila, I have never tried any of these taxi services. But in SIngapore, our choice was Uber which has a great service. My brother once forgot his bag with passports and visa inside the taxi. He didn’t even realize that he left that bag until 2 hours after he was home and the customer service called him to inform that the taxi driver will be coming by to give back his bag.
No matter what you tell me, I can never be confident riding taxis hehe, but at least they’ve improved the taxi service for the majority.
I really wanna try the services of these taxi companies. Do you have their contact nos? Thanks
I’d love to try the services of these taxi companies. Thanks for sharing!
My husband once had me picked up by a Grab Taxi. Super fast and efficient. The driver is also very courteous and patient considering that it was raining and there was heavy traffic.
I was able to ride on an Uber courtesy of the nicest mommy blogger I knew It was a very comfortable ride considering that there were 4 of us with heavy shopping bags who crammed inside the car. The driver was very nice and helpful, too
I’m glad we now have these safe and decent taxi services. Nakakatakot na kasing mag-taxi ngayon!