DAVAO CITY — A group of taxi operators here has tapped a software developer for a smartphone hailing application to keep up with competition and protect both riders and drivers.

The Metro Davao Taxi Operators Association (MDTOA) signed the contract Monday night with Transwealth Fleet Management Corp.

Lawyer Rogelio G. Largo, president of the association, said the mobile app will give cab drivers another venue for finding passengers as well as protect them from abusive clients.

At the same time, passengers will have access to information that would protect them from dishonest drivers.

“This is our way of strengthening our business by ensuring that our drivers and our primary clientele, the passengers, are both protected,” Mr. Largo told BusinessWorld at the signing event.

MDTOA, which does not include single-unit operators and drivers, accounts for about two-thirds of the total 6,000 taxis in the city.

Ride-hailing firm Grab Philippines (MyTAXI.PH, Inc.) also operates in Davao City through existing taxis.

Mr. Largo said their venture into using a mobile app is also in response to the call of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio during her state of the city address in July.

“We encourage taxi operators association to invest in a single Davao Taxi app and an official taxi complaint site to keep our taxi industry relevant and efficient,” said Ms. Duterte-Carpio in her address.

Mr. Largo, who operates a fleet of 150 taxis and also the president of the local chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, said while it is still “relatively safe” and easy to take taxis in Davao, the boom in economic activities has opened opportunities for unscrupulous drivers. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

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