Ex-jeepney driver invents app to pay PUV fare, book tricycles

Although it may not be an actual law, everyone who rides a jeepney acknowledges the rule: "Barya lang po sa umaga" as a courtesy to the driver.

A former jeepney driver has invented DyipPay, an app that aims for contactless fare payment to benefit both drivers and customers.

Enrique Tan, a former jeepney, taxi, and tricycle driver, came up with the idea after he claimed to have caused an accident when he was reaching out for the passenger's fare while he was driving.

"With this solution, you just need a smartphone. You won't need to hand over coins. In particular amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when we don't want to touch what others have touched," Tan said.

"As long as it's a PUV, this solution can apply," he added.

You may see the PUV route via app. Once the PUV's QR code has been scanned, you may input your departure point and destination and see your fare, which you can pay for with a click of a button. The app also offers a "bonus" option that will let you book tricycles like a ride-sharing app.

According to the report, the data gathered by the app could also help Local Government Units plan PUV routes.

Some provinces in Region 3 have completed the validation resting phase for the app. But Tan acknowledges that funding is a factor in getting the app off the ground.

"It's really hard to start up a company in the Philippines, especially on the tech side…we need funds to do it," Tan said.

The company aims to launch the app next year.