Joyride Ecommerce Technologies Corp., also known as JoyRide Philippines, has launched a multi-million next-generation taxi service that aims to improve passenger comfort, convenience, and safety—all at the regular metered taxi fare rate.

"JoyRide Super Taxi provides another efficient and dependable mode of public transport to commuters," JoyRide senior vice president for corporate affairs Noli Eala said during a launch ceremony on Wednesday.

"The public can enjoy all these features of JoyRide Super Taxi without any fare increase, as the service will still be classified as a regular metered taxi or what we call 'De-Metrong Kasundo," Eala added.

JoyRide will deploy 25 units initially in Metro Manila, with plans to increase its fleet next year.

"Just to give you an idea, a unit of Toyota Veloz, which we will be using for our fleet is at around P1.1 to P1.3 million and the technology adjustment is not there yet. It has a GPS and cameras. You do the math and this is JoyRide's commitment. This is already funded and investments have been set aside for that," Eala explained.

Eala added that fleet expansion will depend on how Toyota Philippines can release additional car units.

Cautious driver selection

JoyRide Super Taxi drivers are carefully selected through a process that is similar to the one used for JoyRide's existing driver-partners.

The highly trained and courteous professionals prioritize the safe transportation of passengers to their destination while charging regular metered taxi fare rates.

Since it started in December 2019, JoyRide has successfully cornered over 5 million app downloads and boasts an extensive network of over 30,000 two-wheel and four-wheel driver-partners across Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Cebu, and Baguio City. The company said it intends to expand its services in Pampanga and Ilocos Norte.