inDrive targets 20,000 drivers as Phl rides surge

Global ride-hailing platform inDrive is eyeing to onboard 20,000 drivers by the end of the year as it seeks to meet growing demand for transportation network vehicle services (TNVS) and challenge market competition. 

At a media briefing on Monday, Vanessa Taqueban, Driver Operations Lead for the Philippines, said the company is well on its way to close the year with more drivers. 

With 18,000 driver slots recently released by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, she said inDrive sees ample opportunity to recruit more drivers and expand its footprint. 

“Our target then was to increase that by at least 30% by the end of 2025. We are right on track,” Taqueban said. 

Separately, Sofia Guinto, inDrive Philippines Business Development Head, reported that inDrive has so far seen an eightfold increase in rides and a sevenfold rise in passengers compared with 2024. 

The company is currently operational in Metro Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, Baguio, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Butuan, with plans to launch in two more cities next year. 

“For next year, we’re looking at cities that will have both demand and supply,” Guinto said, adding that the platform is also collaborating with the Department of Health to promote 100 percent smoke- and vape-free rides.

Indrive is also exploring other services, such as delivery, though expansion into two-wheeler operations remains on hold due to regulatory constraints.

For now, the company expects to fully deploy 100 delivery slots in Baguio by year-end.

The firm emphasized that its focus is not on overtaking competitors immediately but on providing the best service for passengers and a reliable platform for drivers. 

“Metro Manila is the main driver of our growth this year. For next year, we want to focus on other cities because we also believe those areas need more options for passengers and drivers,” Guinto added.