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When Angkas first launched in 2016, many people were skeptical. I mean, who is willing to hop on a motorcycle with a stranger just to save a few minutes? Well, surprise, a lot of us would.
Angkas showed that Filipinos are open to new commuting options, especially if these options help make daily travel less stressful. This shift in attitude also made it easier for other services like carpooling and ride-sharing to grow. These are slowly becoming a more common part of how people get around today for several reasonssuch as what are listed below.
1. Traffic is Getting Worse
Everyone knows that traffic in Metro Manila has reached extreme levels. Long hours are lost sitting in cars or buses, time that could be used for work, rest, or spending time with loved ones.
Carpooling and ride-sharing do not solve traffic entirely, but they make it a little easier to handle. When more people share rides, there are fewer vehicles on the road, which helps create more space for everyone.
2. Owning a Car is Becoming Less Practical
In the past, buying a car felt like an achievement and a symbol of independence. These days, it often feels like a financial burden.
Fuel prices are unpredictable, parking fees are expensive, and repairs and registration add to the yearly costs. More people are realizing that it may be cheaper and less stressful to simply book a ride or share one, rather than deal with the ongoing costs of car ownership.
3. Apps Made Ride-Sharing Easy to Accept
A few years ago, getting a ride from a stranger would have sounded risky. Today, it is something many people do without hesitation.
Thanks to apps like Grab, JoyRide, and Move It, ride-sharing has become more convenient and trusted. Features like live tracking, driver ratings, and emergency contacts help people feel safer. Booking a ride through an app is also quicker than looking for a taxi, falling in line at jeepney terminals, or waiting at a bus stop.
4. Environmental Awareness is Growing
While saving money is the main reason people share rides, helping the environment is an added benefit.
Young commuters are especially aware of climate issues and want to reduce their carbon footprint. For them, carpooling is a small but meaningful way to contribute to a cleaner planet.
5. Local Communities are Creating Their Own Systems
Not all ride-sharing efforts come from apps. Some offices now have regular carpool arrangements among employees. In residential areas, neighbors often use group chats to coordinate rides.
Parents work together to manage school drop-offs, and groups of friends and coworkers figure out schedules to share transport. These efforts may be informal, but they are helping more people travel efficiently.
Ride-Sharing is Becoming a Way to Earn a Living
For many Filipinos, ride-sharing is not just about getting to work or going home. It has also become a source of income. Motorcycle riders using platforms like Angkas, JoyRide, and Move It earn money by helping others navigate traffic. Car owners can join services like GrabCar or private ride-sharing groups to help cover their fuel and maintenance expenses. This kind of flexible work provides extra income without needing a second full-time job. For many people, especially during difficult economic times, this makes a big difference.
Challenges That Still Exist
Despite the progress though, ride-sharing still faces several issues. Most services are focused on major cities like Metro Manila and Cebu. People living in smaller towns or rural areas often do not have access to the same options.
There are still those who feel uncomfortable sharing rides with strangers, even with safety features in place. Car ownership is also tied to social status for many Filipinos, so the idea of giving it up is not easy for everyone. The government is still figuring out how to regulate carpooling and ride-sharing, which sometimes creates confusion for both drivers and riders.
What Could Be Next for Ride-Sharing in the Philippines
Technology will likely continue to improve, making ride-sharing even easier and more reliable. More informal carpool groups may form, and some cities may finally introduce carpool lanes to encourage shared rides. Electric vehicles may also play a bigger role in shared transportation. A few cities are already exploring electric mini-shuttles for public use.
In the end, much of the progress will depend on whether Filipinos are open to changing their routines. Angkas already showed us that change is possible when it makes life easier. Carpooling and ride-sharing could be the next practical step, not just for getting from place to place but also for saving money and building new sources of income.
Would you consider sharing a ride if it meant spending less and getting home faster? Or would you try driving part-time to earn extra income? We would love to hear your thoughts.
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