Taxi hailing app, telco ink connectivity deal

CEBU, Philippines — Taxi hailing app Micab has inked a partnership deal with Philippine Long Distance Company (PLDT) for high-speed internet connection on board its partner taxis nationwide.

This is to support the local hailing app in its bid to corner major share in the taxi hailing industry in the country.

Micab officials led by its president and chief executive officer (CEO) Eddie Ybañez and co-founder Kenneth Baylosis signed a renewable 30-month connectivity contract with PLDT, represented by assistant vice president and head for Customer relations management for PLDT-SME Nation Jimmy Chua, and PLDT customer relations management head Hazel Amoyan.

To date, 12 thousand of Micab partner taxis are already enjoying the high-speed connection, with specialized tablet device provided by Huawei with software powered by Blackberry technology.

Before the end of this year, Ybañez said the over 50 thousand Micab member taxis all over the country will be able to make use of the high-speed internet and specialized device.

Passengers can also avail of the internet connection while on board a Micab member taxi.

Partner taxis only pay P600 a month for the internet connection.

Amid the intimidating environment in the taxi hailing app services in the Philippines, Cebu-based Micab continues to fight and will insist on pursuing its vision in providing safety and affordable for-hire or taxi fare for Filipinos and visitors.

Micab currently registers 190 thousand active app users across the country.

Bulk of booking is noted in Metro Manila with 25 thousand to 30 thousand bookings a day.

There are 29 thousand Micab taxi partners in Metro Manila, the rest is spread in the cities of Cebu and Baguio.