Angkas eyes entry into 4-wheel market

MANILA, Philippines — From two wheels to four, motorcycle taxi service provider Angkas is setting its compass toward a territory dominated by the biggest ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia.

Addressing company stakeholders, Angkas CEO George Royeca said the operator of thousands of motorcycle taxis in Metro Manila would hop on the transport network vehicle service (TNVS) segment this year.

He said Angkas will bring to the streets its four-wheel service called Angcars, offering a TNVS alternative to ride-hailing giant Grab.

Once Angcars is launched, Royeca said the app will offer several options like Angcars Economy and Angcars Plus. The platform hopes to provide passengers with four-seater and six-seater units similar to the transport services available on Grab.

Earlier, California-based inDrive, one of the largest in the world, entered the TNVS market in the Philippines aiming to give Filipinos an alternative to Grab. inDrive launched its pilot program in five cities: Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro and Iloilo.

But just before bringing its operations to Metro Manila, inDrive was slapped with a suspension order by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for allowing drivers and passengers to negotiate prices.

It must be noted, however, that inDrive is known around the world for allowing passengers to propose a fare for their ride that drivers can accept or decline, with the option to counteroffer.

inDrive, for its part, paused its operations in the Philippines to comply with the suspension order from the LTFRB, promising to conform with the fare system mandated by the regulator.

Even though Angkas is dipping its wheels in the TNVS business, Royeca said the company would work on sustaining its leadership in motorcycle taxis. For one, Angkas will infiltrate health care through a service that brings medical tests at the doors of Filipino homes.

Angkas will also offer low-cost loans for riders hoping to upgrade their motorcycle. Royeca said this program is tied up with Honda and Uno Bank, and seeks to promote an entrepreneur mindset among the riders.

Angkas expects its growth momentum to continue in 2024, supported by the expansion programs that the company plans to embark on.

The company operates as one of three players allowed to offer two-wheel services in the country.