Uber to pilot ride sharing in Makati, BGC

MANILA, Philippines - Transportation network service Uber will pilot a ride-sharing scheme in Makati and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City starting next week.

Called uberHOP, the service will allow passengers going to the same direction to share a ride for a flat fare.

“Our goal is to reduce congestion and make commuting more efficient and affordable by putting more riders into fewer vehicles,” said Uber.

“At the same time, riders get to enjoy the same Uber experience while saving up to 70 percent from what they would normally pay for an uberX ride,” it added.

Uber said the service will be available on weekdays, from 6 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 9 p.m. It will have an introductory flat rate of P75 per passenger.

Up to six passengers may share a vehicle, said Uber.

The company said it decided to pilot uberHOP in Manila since it suffers from some of the worst congestion in the world.

“Congestion is more than just an annoyance; it’s a drain on our cities, our economies and our planet. Innovative solutions like uberHOP, that put more passengers in fewer cars – safely, reliably and affordably – help move us toward a brighter, cleaner and less gridlocked future,” Uber said.