DAVAO CITY, Philippines — “HirNa,” a homegrown taxi booking application developed by Davao based developers and AVIS Philippines was launched in Davao City to help improve cab services.
AVIS Philippines president Francisco Mauricio said the app is different from the existing Uber and Grab since it has unique features. The app has no booking fee which is beneficial to the passenger and no charge surge because it follows the metered rate. “We are dedicated in enhancing the quality of life of the riding public,” Mauricio added.
The Metro Davao Taxi Operator Association (MDTOA) said the application will be a big help to their drivers. MDTOA president Atty. Rogelio Largo said that with the application, taxi drivers do not need to roam around the city to solicit passengers.
“We would like to see a day that they will just stay in non-busy areas waiting for online mobile bookings,” he said. The HirNa app was developed in partnership with Globe Telecom.
Largo said that if all drivers are using it, there will be a possible reduction of volume of vehicles plying the roads that will ease the traffic flow. The app also has a feedback mechanism feature where passengers can report the behavior of the cab drivers.
He added that even if majority of the drivers in the city are good, there are a few drivers who can be arrogant.
“This app will enable people to provide feedback to our regulators like LTFRB and LTO, in order to improve driver discipline and driver behavior, ” he said.
The operators will be the first to shoulder the operational expenses of the app to provide comfort to the riding public in the city.-Armando B. Fenequito Jr.
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