The newest ride-hailing app in Cebu is boosting up their operations.
US-based ride-hailing app inDrive is seeing steady growth here in Cebu.
Six months in, the Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) is accomplishing one of its primary goals.
On July 10, 2025, inDrive officials, along with representatives from the local government, conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming driver-dedicated hub along E. Echavez Street in Cebu City.
The 903 square-meter area will be the main recruitment and training hub for all of inDrive’s TNVS drivers in Central Visayas, serving as their official head office.
Sophia Guinto, the Business Development Head of inDrive Philippines, mentioned that the structure will also be a hangout and rest area for drivers to meet and build rapport.
“The office that we are building here is not just an office for operational purposes, but also community-building. We want our driver partners to use this hub as their hangout place,” she said.
A basketball court will also be installed, encouraging physical activity among drivers.
Additionally, for a limited time, inDrive will only take a 5% commission, meaning drivers get to keep 95% of their total earnings.
The office will benefit passengers as well, giving them a dedicated place to voice concerns regarding the app’s services, including lost and found items and passenger-driver affairs.
As of writing, there isn’t a final date as to when the hub will be finished, but they are targeting a completion date sometime in the last quarter of 2025.
RIDE-HAILING APP OPERATIONS SO FAR
Booking an inDrive in Cebu has become smoother as more drivers have begun partnering with the world-renowned online transportation service.
There are now around 1,500 partner drivers in Cebu, compared to the initial 500 when the app was first launched in December.
That puts the overall number of drivers in the Philippines at around 200,000, with officials expecting a 30% increase by the end of the year.
Guinto also mentioned the company’s plan to add more projects for partner drivers and work with local businesses to provide free discounts and promos.
inDrive officials revealed that there are plans to be part of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce as well for better visibility and networking opportunities.
They may also add delivery and courier services in Cebu, but they must first acquire a license from the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).
Quinto mentioned that they strategically chose their location in E. Echavez to be closer to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to make recruitment processes for their drivers much faster.
Victor Cosep, the planning officer at the LTFRB, graced the building’s groundbreaking ceremony, welcoming its construction as an improvement in the country’s mobility services.
Cosep, speaking on behalf of Regional Director Eduardo Montealto, welcomed inDrive to the list of TNVS in the Philippines, noting how it provides more affordable commuting options to the public.
“Healthy competition always brings out the best in service. In this case, it is the riding public and our hard-working drivers who are reaping the benefits,” he shared.
Today, the ride-hailing app only operates from Liloan in the north to Minglanilla in the south. However, they are planning on conducting several studies to potentially add more locations in Cebu.
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Mark Tolley, the regional director of the Asia Pacific region, acknowledged Cebu’s booming tourism industry. He emphasized the company’s goal of offering more flexible mobility options.
“We are here to raise an additional option for the people of Cebu, whether you are from Cebu or here on vacation,” he said.
The ride-hailing app is a valuable option for locals, but foreign and local tourists can also enjoy the app’s affordable and flexible pricing.
Having a Cebu-based office was one of inDrive’s main goals, and now it’s finally coming to fruition. It’s a testament to the success of having a convenient and functional ride-hailing app in the Philippines.
