Global ride-hailing platform inDrive is ending 2025 on a high note, with the Philippines emerging as one of its most dynamic growth markets in Southeast Asia.
The platform recorded an 8x surge in rides and 7x more passengers, fueled by expansion to more cities, strengthened safety features, and deeper partnerships with government and transport stakeholders.
Only two years since entering the Filipino market, inDrive has already grown its contribution to the company’s Southeast Asia business by 13 percentage points, making the Philippines its second-strongest market in the region after Indonesia.
“2025 was a defining year for inDrive in the Philippines. As we grow our footprint, our focus stays the same — fairness, safety, and better opportunities for our partner drivers and passengers,” said Sofia Guinto, Business Development Head of inDrive Philippines. “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, and it motivates us to build better mobility solutions for Filipinos.”
Driver community at the heart of growth
inDrive’s growth is driven by its expanding driver community. As of October 2025, the company has activated 16,000 partner drivers across seven cities: Metro Manila, Cebu, Baguio, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Butuan.
“Philippines is one of the key markets in Southeast Asia for inDrive, and we couldn’t have achieved this without our driver partners. A big round of applause to them!” Guinto said during the inDrive 2025 driver event. “From 2024 to 2025, we achieved 8x growth in rides and 7x more passengers. This is a testament to how our driver community supports us every step of the way.”
Vanessa Tagueban, inDrive’s Operations Head, added:
“Every journey that our drivers make—and every passenger journey—becomes part of our success. As we enter 2026, we will strengthen our support for drivers with more incentives, better experiences, and more opportunities for well-being and safety.”
Safety and technology at the core
Safety remains inDrive’s top priority. The company rolled out:
- A dedicated emergency button linking directly to law enforcement
- 24/7 in-app and email support
- A Safety and Incident Management Team monitoring reports
- AI-powered tools for trip verification and behavior monitoring
inDrive’s innovations earned it the Philippines Technology Excellence Award for AI in Transportation at the Asian Technology Awards.
“These improvements aren’t just for passengers—they’re for our drivers too. From enhanced maps to real-time AI moderation, safety is embedded in everything we do,” Guinto said.
The company is also collaborating with TESDA and PNP-HPG to improve driver onboarding and safety training.
Strategic partnerships for passengers and communities
inDrive strengthened its presence in major commuting hubs, including Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), serving around 150,000 daily passengers. During the Undas exodus, inDrive completed 3,000+ rides, helping ease the holiday travel rush.
“We also partnered with government agencies like the Department of Health for the 100% Smoke- and Vape-Free TNVS initiative,” Guinto shared. “We incorporated this into driver onboarding and training, as well as in-app reminders for passengers.”
Sustainability efforts include the launch of the Philippines’ first-ever regional EV fleet in Baguio, in collaboration with DDGNS Corporation and Transrev Documentation and Transport Services, giving passengers eco-friendly ride options in key areas.
Fairness and affordability as competitive edge
inDrive maintains one of the lowest commission rates in the industry at 10%, compared to the standard 20–25%, while shouldering discounts for PWDs, seniors, and students.
“Drivers still have the freedom to choose passengers, and passengers can choose their drivers. Fair options for everyone — that’s our philosophy,” Guinto said.
On competing with established players, she noted:
“Everyone wants to be number one, but our focus is simple: provide the best service and the best platform for drivers.”
Looking ahead to 2026
Metro Manila continues to drive growth, but inDrive plans to expand focus on Iloilo, Baguio, Bacolod, and other cities to meet demand for mass transit alternatives. Airport operations are under negotiation, with potential rollout in 2026 pending airport authority approval.
“The growth of our driver community is very aggressive, and we expect it to stay that way. Our message remains: fair options for drivers and passengers, and we will continue to deliver,” Guinto said.
inDrive closes 2025 reaffirming its commitment to safer, fairer, and more accessible mobility for Filipinos. Its growth, partnerships, and driver-centric innovations signal a strong trajectory for 2026.
For more updates, visit www.inDrive.com or follow @inDrive.ph on social media.
