HIRNA, Davao’s homegrown taxi-hailing app, is eyeing nationwide expansion in the coming months.
The app made a buzz when it unveiled during its media launch last December at the Davao City Hall with no less than Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio herself.
Joining the fray of the heating ride-hailing competition in the country, hirna set itself apart from other apps with its zero-booking fee service that uses the most number of fleets of taxis in Davao because of their exclusive partnership with the Metro Davao Taxi Operators Association (Medatoa). There are an initial 2,000 taxis currently under hirna, ensuring the shortest waiting time possible.
“What hirna brings commuters is a premium app with zero booking fees, no turndowns and no price surges. While ensuring convenience and security, our app also helps drivers because we don’t have transaction fees that sometimes eat up much of their revenues,” said Francisco Mauricio, hirna president and CEO, in a statement.
Rogelio Largo, president of Medatoa, said hirna should be the preferred app of Davaoeños because, aside from its many features, it was conceptualized in Davao.
“Hirna is the only app with a 24/7 customer-service support to answer queries and to help passengers without smartphones to book a ride. It even has the LTFRB [Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board] hot line numbers in the app so passengers are free to contact the agency for any questions, suggestions or comments,” he said.
Mayor Duterte-Carpio is supporting hirna because it provides “a real and effective solution to traffic congestion.” Since the hirna application increases the utilization of the existing fleet of taxis in Davao, there are no additional cars placed on the road, thus, effectively reducing traffic and helping minimize carbon emission.
As hirna gears up for a nationwide expansion, more people would be able to enjoy the benefits that hirna offers commuters.
“Today Davao, tomorrow the Philippines,” Mauricio said.
By the end of March, those who will download and use the hirna app will be recognized as hirna cofounders and would be entitled to a host of benefits and privileges, such as priority bookings and exclusive events and promotions.