New reports say that Angkas may join 4-wheeled TNVS providers, to be named “Angcars”
Angkas is to motorcycle ride-hailing whereas Grab is to 4-wheeled services. That’s just how it’s been for a long time now, right? Not to be outdone, it seems that the ladies and gentlemen in (the longer-standing, compared to Joyride) blue uniforms are gearing up to join the 4-wheeled fray of the TNVS sector. According to reports, we may very well see Grab battle with some competition in the ride-hailing service scape. Exciting, isn’t it?
“Angcars”: 4-wheel TNVS of Angkas in the works
Photo: Angkas
Various news outfits have already reported that the blue brand of 2-wheeled ride-haling has plans to expand its services to 4-wheelers. As it stands, only motorcycles make up the entire Angkas fleet but that might soon be supplemented by bigger vehicles and will very well serve as competition to a virtual “duopoly” of the green brand, Grab, and relatively new 4-wheel TNVS player Joyride.
According to company CEO George Royeca, this plan could come to fruition this year.
Photo: Angkas
The name of the service? Angcars.
“Angcars is designed to be an advanced ride-hailing app that seamlessly blends affordability with user-friendly navigation,” Royeca was quoted as saying. He likewise added that the soon-to-be-launched app seeks to introduce two options, namely Angcars Economy and Angcars Plus. These options will give passengers the ability to choose between hailing a four- or six-seater vehicle that’s suited for their needs.
Photo: Angkas
The exit of Uber a few years ago practically left the 4-wheeled TNV Service doors wide open for Grab, and with only Joyride as its main competitor, as we speak, a giant brand such as Angkas will be a most welcome addition to the options, indeed. Late last year, another service named InDrive was set to operate in Metro Manila, with pilot programs launched in five other cities. It was suspended by the LTFRB, however, for allowing drivers and passengers to negotiate fare prices. (But that’s another story altogether.)
With this new development, prices for such services may see a reduction to more competitive and dare we say more affordable rates, given that more options will already be available.
Can the Angkas brand be able to compete in this service that’s been dominated for so long by Grab? You will forgive the comparison, but we all know of “blue versus green rivalries”, and while this has nothing to do with collegiate basketball, what matters, in the end, is that commuters become the winners with better, more affordable fares, and cleaner and safer means of transportation.
This should be a pretty good development.
