U Go, a ride sharing scheme that will be available through SMS and mobile app, will be launched to the public in early 2018. It is touted to be better than its more established competitors Uber and Grab since U Go will offer more reasonable fares and better incentives for drivers.
“U Go is proud to be an all-Filipino company composed of drivers and operators with experience in Grab and Uber who wanted a better deal for both its members and the riding public. We aim to be more humanitarian, more convenient and more user-friendly with features that Uber and Grab do not have at the moment,” said Mr. Norman Castillo, chairman of U Go Philippines.
In a press conference, Mr. Castillo (middle) is shown with U Go Technical Operations Chief John Codorniz (left) and Mitch Matias of Philippines Transport Network Organization, the non-profit group which gave birth to U Go.
Cheaper fares appears to be U Go’s main advantage. Representatives said prices will be based on the regular taxi system and surges during rush hours won’t be as high because surcharge fees will be reasonable.
Moreover, U Go will only get a 10% commission from drivers and operators for using their system, compared with the 20-25% commission charged by Grab and Uber.
In terms of innovative features, U Go will have an SOS button for emergency situations and booking by text, not just through app.Mothers like me can also avail of the Scheduled Rides option where one can set the time of pickup of family members.
Castillo and Codorniz said they are completing accreditation requirements with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, hopefully ready to run and operate first quarter of 2018.
” We had to make a presentation about every aspect of the operation, we had to follow the step-by-step process. And then of course, we have to test the app and the system to make sure it is running perfectly by the time of the public launch,” Castillo said.
The entry of U Go looks good, especially now that more and more people are dependent on app-powered transport network companies for their commuting needs. In light of complaints and problems with Grab and Uber, competition can only be a good thing. It makes everyone aspire for better service and to be the best one of the bunch.
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