Cover These four applications provide bicycle-related services around Manila (Photo:NEOSiAM 2024+/Pexels)
These four applications provide bicycle-related services around Manila (Photo:NEOSiAM 2024+/Pexels)
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Some Filipino workers generate income through pedals and brakes. In this article, we list four bicycle-friendly service apps that deliver food and goods two wheels at a time
A 2020 study titled “Energy and environmental benefits and policy implications for private passenger vehicles in an emerging metropolis of Southeast Asia—A case study of Metro Manila”, revealed that excessive use of private vehicles contributes significantly to pollution in Philippine urban areas. It mentioned pollutants emitted by vehicles such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), and particulate matter (PM).
The study further revealed that in 2016, the number of private vehicles in Manila alone totalled 1.698 million units, representing 38.61 per cent of the country’s vehicle stock.
Among the solutions proposed by the researchers is the national government’s investment towards improving public transportation systems and promoting environmentally friendly modes of transportation, including electric or hybrid cars, bicycles, and more.
In the country, some institutions support and incorporate bicycle riding into their services.
In case you missed it: 6 Filipino sustainability champions you must know
1. foodpanda
In 2018, the food delivery app foodpanda introduced bicycle riders to promote sustainability. The company initially added more than a hundred bikers to its fleet and eventually grew to a thousand within the same year.
The company is faithful to its “Go Green Campaign,” allowing its customers to choose whether to receive plastic cutlery with their orders. In 2021, the app also rolled out five tech initiatives to further support its sustainability objectives: increasing food sustainability, reducing plastic waste, and aiming for a low-carbon future.
“We want to use the power of collective action to tackle sustainability challenges in the food delivery industry. That means helping our community of merchants, riders, and customers adopt more sustainable alternatives,” said foodpanda vice president of communications, public affairs and sustainability Evelyn Tay. “When sustainable options and programs are available to alleviate cost pressures or simplify operational decisions, it’s easier for them to shift their habits—that’s when we can make a difference together.”
2. Grab
Like foodpanda, ride-hailing and delivery app Grab utilises bicycles for transport. One of the company’s services is GrabExpress Instant Bike, which allows guests to ship their orders instantly with less carbon footprint.
The app said, “It’s the perfect option for when you’ll only be shipping small items and want them delivered quickly and over short distances.”
More from Tatler: How Grab Philippines aspires to be a partner in nation building
3. Moovr
If you end up in Makati or BGC, consider looking for a Moovr bike or scooter. Anna Moncupa launched the app in December 2020, and it provides an environmentally friendly mode of transportation within Manila's urban landscapes.
To avail of the service, one must first download the Moovr PH app on their phone. They can create an account through email, Facebook, or Google.
Once their profile is activated, users can find their ride by walking to a nearby Moovr Hub. They can select their vehicle and unlock it by scanning the QR code.
After using it, they can drop off the bike or scooter at the Hub nearest their destination. The company reminds customers to bring helmets. Rates start at PhP60 per hour, with an additional charge of PhP15 for every 15 minutes of excess time.
4. MyKuya App
The service app Mykuya, which offers delivery, pasabuy services, and air conditioning repair, was launched by former “30 under 30” Forbes Asia list member Shahab Shabibi.
The company was essential to every Filipino’s life, especially during COVID-19, and onboarded more than 7,000 contractual workers.
In an interview with Adobo, Shabibi revealed that on other platforms, individuals are typically categorised as either drivers or operators, with little opportunity for advancement. However, MyKuya provides users with the tools and technology to operate individually and manage an entire fleet as an enterprise partner. This approach enables them to scale their business, enhance user service, and increase job opportunities, transforming the platform into a growth engine for the Philippines.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
