By JACQUELINE LUCERO

In the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila, two ride-hailing giants stand out in the crowd: Grab and Angkas. As a regular commuter, my experiences with these services have been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, ranging from prompt and efficient to downright bizarre. Let’s dive into the world of Grab and Angkas, exploring the highs, the lows, and the unexpected turns.

Angkas: The silent saviors

When time is of the essence and the clock seems to be working against you, Angkas emerges as the silent hero. The riders are a silent bunch, and that’s precisely what makes the experience so seamless. No unnecessary chit-chat, just a swift nod as you give them your destination, and off you go.

Angkas has been my go-to option when running extremely late for an appointment. The motorcycles weave through traffic like nimble dancers, ensuring you reach your destination on time. It’s a unique experience holding onto the back of a motorcycle as it navigates the chaotic streets of Manila, but it undeniably gets the job done.

Grab: A mixed bag of conversations

On the other hand, Grab offers a diverse range of experiences, and not all of them are pleasant. One particular incident after an event that finished a bit late at The Pergola left me both shocked and uncomfortable. The Grab driver, far from discreet, engaged in a conversation that left me questioning the appropriateness of ride-hail small talk.

In situations like these, it’s crucial to keep one’s cool. I discreetly informed my sister of my whereabouts and shared my Grab ride, and she monitored my journey until I reached the safety of my home. Instances like these have led me to frequently utilize the “I do not want to have a conversation” option when booking a Grab ride, a feature that, thankfully, exists to make passengers feel more at ease during their journey.

There was another incident that raised my eyebrows: a Grab driver clad in flip-flops and shorts, lacking the usual identifiers like an RFID tag, causing us to line up in all the toll gate traffic, which was 100 percent unavoidable. It was a moment of disbelief, as my family also arrived late for our appointment, prompting me to report the situation. It’s encounters like these that highlight the importance of platforms like Grab addressing such issues promptly.

Safety and reporting: A passenger’s responsibility

In the world of ride-hailing, passenger safety is paramount. It’s not just about reaching your destination. It’s about arriving there securely and comfortably. Reporting instances of discomfort or suspicious behavior is not just a right but a responsibility. My experience taught me the significance of speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. The swift reporting feature within the app is a tool that every passenger should be familiar with and unafraid to use.

Toll fees: The unseen expense

As someone who frequently traverses the SLEX, NLEX, Skyway, and Calax, the toll fees associated with these routes have become an unexpected yet inevitable part of my ride-hail expenses. Unlike the straightforward charges for distance and time, toll fees add an extra layer to the cost that passengers often overlook.

It’s crucial for passengers to be aware that toll fees are not included in the standard fare, and drivers are not obligated to cover these expenses. The convenience of using Grab comes at a price, and that price extends beyond the comfort of avoiding traffic, finding parking, or dealing with the hassles of driving. Being prepared to shell out additional funds for toll fees ensures a smoother and more transparent transaction.

Navigating the urban landscape

In the grand scheme of things, the convenience of ride-hailing services like Grab and Angkas cannot be overstated. They have transformed the way we navigate our cities, offering an alternative to traditional transportation methods. While encounters with talkative or unconventional drivers may raise eyebrows, the majority of the experiences have been positive.

As passengers, it’s essential to stay vigilant, report irregularities, and be aware of the costs, such as toll fees. These services have become integral to our urban lives, and understanding the intricacies of each platform ensures a more enjoyable and secure journey through the bustling streets of Metro Manila. Whether it’s the silent speed of an Angkas ride or the unpredictable conversations in a Grab car, the ride-hailing experience is undeniably woven into the fabric of our daily lives, for better or for worse.