There is no denying that traffic congestion in Manila has costs in terms of fuel wastefully consumed by idling vehicles, man-hours lost leading to wasted productivity, and pollution generated causing short-term and long-term health and environmental problems. By creating an app-based motorcycle taxi service that started five years ago, Angkas addressed these issues by providing an efficient and economical option for transportation while legitimising motorcycle taxis and providing livelihood to thousands of “habal-habal” riders, who were considered illegal. The model has been successful in neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. Motorcycles are now seen as a form of public transportation as it has been widely accepted in most rural areas in the Philippines.

Angkas, the country's leading app-based motorcycle taxi ride-sharing service, has not only succeeded in providing countless job opportunities for Filipinos but also served as the voice of the 18 million-strong motorcycle industry.

Partnership model

In the Angkas business model, the riders who provide the company's primary service are independent partners, and they work on a percentage-per-fare system. They are transport entrepreneurs who have the power to control their own time while earning a decent living to take care of their families. This fosters an ownership mentality as the riders have absolute freedom to choose their work hours as they see fit. Angkas has created a plethora of micro-enterprises through the empowerment of these motorcycle riders.

On average, the riders make US$30 daily or about US$900 monthly. This is significantly higher than the current minimum wage in the Philippines. Angkas offers its partner bikers a means to lift themselves from poverty and provide a better life for their families. The company believes its success is attributed to genuine care and concern for its stakeholders. In line with this, Angkas plans to innovate to create mutual benefits for Angkas and its riders.

With seven million app downloads and a 99.997% safety record, Angkas now boasts 30,000 biker-partners and 117,000 biker applicants across the country and has revolutionised the average commute.

Expanding into logistics

After starting its motorcycle taxi service, Angkas branched out into logistics during the pandemic, focusing on delivery businesses like Angkas Padala (Padala refers to shipment) and Angkas Pabili (Pabili refers to purchase). At the height of the pandemic lockdowns, Angkas' riders helped deliver essential goods to the community. These services gave the riders a means to support themselves and their families. During the pandemic, Angkas was the mobility partner of the Philippine Red Cross. Its riders collected saliva samples for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kits and helped to transport them to laboratories. They also offered free rides to healthcare workers as transport restrictions eased.

As a game-changer in the Philippine transport industry, Angkas, through the years, has trained bikers for free, developed an infrastructure for riders, gave free rides to the public in times of need, and initiated important dialogues with the government.

The company is now looking to expand further into logistics and partner with government agencies, enabling its riders to deliver government documents and medicines.

Paving the path forward

Angkas created the largest motorcycle taxi community, championing 18 million motorcycle owners in the nation and contributing towards professionalising motorcycles-as-a-businesses and bringing dignity to the riders' profession.

Angkas has contributed to changing the mindset of the general public concerning a stigmatised industry. This has also paved the way for discussions with the government regarding legalising and regulating the motorcycle taxi industry in the country. Angkas' goal now, with government support, is to eliminate poverty for 18 million families. Angkas believes that the first step in achieving this goal is passing a law regulating motorcycles for hire. The pilot programme has been successful to date in the participating areas of Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. The company is confident that this success can be replicated in other regions of the country.