Bye-bye mahal commute! (Sabong News)

Ride-hailing apps have been a massive help to commuters, both for people who own cars and people who don’t own cars, because they make it easy and safe to get from point A to point B. Unlike traditional taxi cabs, which require customers to hail a car on the street, these apps enable users to request a ride using their smartphone, track their driver’s progress in real-time, and integrate payment and rating systems. Drivers for these services are frequently part-time or “gig” workers who operate their own vehicles and supplement their income with ride-hailing work. A recent Boston Consulting Group study found that one in five (19%) commuters in Manila use ride-hailing apps for their daily commutes. The city is the most reliant on TNVS in Southeast Asia. This means a huge demand needs to be filled, and one ride-hailing service provider cannot do it alone. The timing couldn’t be better with ToktokGo receiving approval from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to become one of the country’s newest transport network companies (TNCs). While certain ride-hailing giant may still be the dominant player in the TNVS industry, Toktokgo promises lower fares and better services. Could we soon bid unreasonable fare increases and picky drivers farewell? Being part of the super app, Toktok, which Filipinos enjoy all over the country, Toktokgo aims to contribute and improve the public’s ride-hailing app experience. Toktokgo offers more bang for your buck with low prices and exciting promos ahead. From March 18 to April 17, 2022, Toktokgo will conduct pre-registration for existing TNVS riders with a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or Provisional Authority (PA) license. As an initial support to all drivers/operators who register successfully, Toktokgo will offer a program to help drivers during these trying times to earn their full boundary for 30 days without the need to top-up first. Those who want to apply as drivers or operators may register at www.toktok.ph. Toktok is set to launch its Toktokgo TNVS service to the general public on April 18, 2022. As the brainchild of founders Jonathan So and Carlito Macadangdang, Toktok was established on December 8, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to create a viable business that would not only fill a void in the delivery service market but would also provide an income-generating opportunity for individuals affected by the crisis. Toktok began operations with 100 riders, assisting sister companies Siomai King, JC Premiere, and CopperMask with their delivery needs. Toktok boasts over 1.5 million downloads on its super app, it also boasts its ride towards success fueled by a passion for service to the Filipino people. Local and foreign individuals and businesses are also interested in investing in and partnering with Toktok on its growth journey. Some banks also encourage the company to go public. Toktok has yet to decide how to capitalize on these opportunities. Mr. So concluded by noting that focusing on Toktok’s growth is their top priority. “Every businessman probably dreams of being publicly listed. And, frankly, we’re not any different. However, we are focusing on growing toktok first and really perfecting the app. And once we achieve that, and if the Lord gives us the perfect time for it,” Mr. So said. “The goal is to really make the app an integral part of the Filipino’s daily life. If the opportunity comes for us to grow in that [IPO offering] direction, then we’ll have to be more prepared. As my partner and I always say, we are always open for growth,” Mr. Macadangdang adds. Toktok’s executives believe that continuous development, combined with aggressive marketing, can help the company maintain its position as a market leader. Furthermore, Toktok is working hard to become a household super app created by Filipinos for Filipinos. “Our partnership with the customers is what we continue to improve,” Mr. So said. “Since toktok is Filipino-owned, everything we do should be custom-fit for Filipinos.” “Rest assured that all the development and features to be added on toktok, we want them to be part of Filipinos’ everyday life,” Mr. Macadangdang continued.