Cheyenne Suarez

​inDrive cuts service fee, offers fuel vouchers for drivers amid surging gas prices

Article (news)

Arthur Fuentes

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Ride-hailing platform inDrive announced Friday a relief package for Filipino drivers struggling with surging fuel prices, blending private subsidies with industry-low commission rates to maintain &quot;fair&quot; transport costs.The company said it is launching a P2.7-million fuel voucher program for active drivers, designed to complement the Philippine government’s P5,000 subsidy for transport workers. The initiative comes as rising global oil prices squeeze the take-home pay of Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) operators while threatening fare hikes for commuters.InDrive said it also expanded its partnership with fuel retailer SeaOil, granting drivers discounts via digital loyalty systems. The platform also introduced &quot;Purple Zones&quot;—high-demand areas where the company’s service fee drops to a nominal 1 percent, significantly lower than the commission charged by other ride-hailing apps.&quot;Naiintindihan namin gaano kabigat ang epekto ng patuloy na pagtaas ng fuel prices sa mga partner drivers namin—lalo na’t bawat biyahe ang source nila ng kabuhayan,&quot; said Sofia Guinto, inDrive Philippines Country Manager. Guinto added that platforms have a &quot;responsibility to provide sustainable solutions&quot; to keep rides affordable without sacrificing driver welfare.The company confirmed it would continue to fully shoulder mandated 20-percent discounts for senior citizens, students, and persons with disabilities, ensuring these social benefits do not deduct from driver earnings.&quot;We want our partner drivers and passengers to know that naririnig po namin ang inyong mga concern (we hear your concerns), and we are committed to supporting your well-being.&quot;Many TNVS drivers on other platforms are also clamoring to lower the fees charged by these platforms as skyrocketing fuel prices eat into their daily earnings.

inDrive also introduced "Purple Zones"—high-demand areas where the company’s service fee drops to a nominal 1 percent, which is much lower than other platforms.

inDrive also introduced "Purple Zones"—high-demand areas where the company’s service fee drops to a nominal 1 percent, which is much lower than other platforms.