Hirna taxi-hailing application launched in Davao, eyes nationwide expansion

DAVAO CITY — Hirna, a new taxi-hailing application similar to that of Grab and Uber, was launched in Davao City Tuesday, Dec. 19, as part of a comprehensive transportation master plan that will be developed by the city government and the Department of Transportation ( DoTr).

Hirna, which is a play on the phrase “here now,” is a collaboration between Avis Global and Avis Philippines for the infrastructure backbone, Globe Telecom, Inc. as network partner, and the Metro Davao Taxi Operators Association (MDTOA).

“Hirna is a must-have app for those who regularly ride cabs in the city,” Avis Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Francisco Mauricio said.

“We will deliver premium passenger service with no turn-downs, booking fees or price surges,” he added.

Mr. Mauricio said Hirna will also set up a 24/7 telephone hot line for those who do not have or unable to use the smartphone app as well as serve as a general customer service facility.

“This is a homegrown service so it embodies and champions unique Dabawenyo values that guarantees string support from the local passengers,” MDTOA President Rogelio C. Largo said.

Mr. Largo said local taxi operators have realized the need to keep up with the times and make services more efficient by coming up with a common hailing app.

The Hirna group is eyeing a nationwide expansion a few months after its launch in Davao.

Meanwhile, the Davao City government and the DoTr signed a memorandum of understanding for the formulation and implementation of a transport plan that will alleviate the growing traffic congestion in the city.

The plan would include mass transportation, alternative transport, and more efficient and innovative solutions.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, in August, encouraged the city’s taxi operators to launch a single app and an official complaint site to keep the taxi industry “relevant and efficient.”

“We do not want more alternative modes of transport in the streets because this would mean more vehicles on the streets and create further congestion,” Ms. DuterteCarpio said.

“If they (taxis) become problematic then this will pave the way for the entry of other forms of transportation and will only add volume of vehicles on the street,” she added.

The Hirna app would include complete driver details and rating, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board hot line, and Hirna’s 24/7 Hirna customer service hot line.

FARE HIKE

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved the petition for a taxi fare increase in Davao City.

“We are expecting to implement the fare adjustment immediately after the recalibration of meters,” said LTFRB Chair Martin G. Delgra III who was in the city Tuesday for the launching of the Hirna hailing app.

Under the adjustment, the flagdown rate would still be P40, but the per kilometer fee would increase to P13.50 from the current P11.66. The fee for every two-minute waiting time when the taxi is not moving, currently at P3.50, would also be changed to P2 per minute.

The rate adjustment, however, would be granted only to taxi units that have a hailing app installed.

Mr. Delgra said the app has been made a requirement to ensure that all cabs in the city are linked to the customer complaint system. — with a report from