Melo Villareal
GrabTaxi is the app that you’d expect would have been on the market in Manila a long time ago. Who wouldn’t want an app that calls a cab for you? Of course, if the GrabTAxi app doesn’t work right there’s no point in using it. Fortunately for residents of Manila, GrabTaxi works almost flawlessly.
GrabTaxi Call a Taxi Service
The app was just launched recently but I would use this app any time, day or night, and expect prompt, dependable service, to the same degree I’d expect from any cab driver I flagged down or called via their phone service.
And for Manila residents it also reduces the delays caused by haggling and taxi drivers that turn down passengers. Anthony Tan, the found and CEO of GrabTaxi, had that in mind when he created the app. He also wanted to provide taxis from a network of pre-screened cab drivers who you can trust.
How GrabTaxi Works?
The biggest benefits of the app are the obvious ones. GrabTaxi is available on iOS and Android. The app locates you on a map when you open it, and then allows you to enter the exact location where you want to be picked up. You then enter the destination and local cabs near you are displayed on the map.
GrabTaxi Welcome Message
Fairly quickly, the cab driver, including his name, license plate number, and distance from you pop up on the screen. The amount of time before the cab arrives also starts counting down so you know when to expect your ride. You and the cab driver can even call each other if someone needs clarification or if you want to give special instructions to the taxi driver about your exact location and possible landmarks.
GRABTAXI: Booking a taxi in Metro Manila will never be the same
Personal Experience
I tried it yesterday and I really feel safe since I got the name of the Cab Driver just in case I need to report him for any untoward incidence. I just feel that the 70 pesos additional fee is a little bit too much but I hope it will decrease in the future.
Taxi Booking Details
Is there additional FEE?
Taxi Drivers are trained to turn on the meter once the passenger is inside the taxi. All you have to pay is the metered fare (based on LTFRB) and an additional P70 booking fee.
No Smartphone?
You can still get a cab by dialing their customer service numbers 642-3525; 641-4532; 640-2318; or txt 0939-1533495; 0927-8384833 for pickups.
What if the Taxi driver never arrived?
GrabTaxi will provide you with your driver’s information so feel free to call your designated driver. If any problems occur, email [email protected] and they will investigate this for you.
Hiccups
No app is perfect upon launch, and GrabTaxi does have a couple of hiccups to work out. First of all, the way the app works can lead to some confusion. Rather than a centralized assignment tool, the app simply broadcasts your request to taxis in your area. The drivers bid for the job and the winner is then given the assignment. But any other cab driver who saw the alert can appear. This is more of a problem for drivers than those of us looking for a ride.
You should also know that the time until pickup that is displayed is based on GPS data and can change if an accident or traffic cause a delay. It can start counting up, which is pretty unexpected. But it’s always accurate.
GrabTaxi is a great app for those of us in Manila who use cabs from time to time. Look for the GrabTaxi signage and the mounted smartphone and you’ll know you’re in a good cab.
You can download GrabTaxi App by visiting this link – http://grabtaxi.com/about.php
You may also want to checkout our Metro Manila Taxi Pick Up Service Telephone Directory
