In the latest episode of our Crazy Smart Asia podcast, the co-founder of a motorcycle taxi service in the Philippines shares her solutions to easing the urban quagmire and ending poverty
For some, traffic is a mere inconvenience. For others in the Philippines, it is an economic detriment. In 2022, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) noted that Php3.5 billion ($61,353,455) is lost per day due to traffic congestion. This number could potentially increase to Php5.4 billion ($95,448,510) a day in 2035 if left unresolved.
On a micro level, traffic poses a lifestyle problem for many of Manila’s commuters. Ordinary Filipinos must rise four to five hours before the start of their shift to simply get to work on time. Hours spent with family or for rest are lost as both white and blue-collar workers await the arrival of sporadic trains, buses or jeepneys. For many, taxis or car-hailing apps are simply unsustainable due to price and scarcity.
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Angkas, a motorcycle-hailing app with a safety record of 99.99 percent, has been ferrying passengers in Manila and other metros since 2016. Angkas is set to assist Filipinos with affordable and safe transportation options.
In this week’s episode of our Crazy Smart Asia podcast, Gen.T’s Lee Williamson speaks to Angeline Tham who has proposed a solution to the problem—one that Filipinos have adapted to quite well. Here are a few excerpts from the conversation. Click the audio player below to listen to the full episode or subscribe via Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
On raison d’etre
“I needed to get the story of Angkas out there so people [can] understand what’s really happening behind what they see on the streets. What we’re doing is so important to help nation-building and [to] help uplift the informal sector that we’re involved with.”
On supporting their riders
“We’ve been able to give them an identity and I think it’s how we help them dream bigger and help them achieve that dream together with them.”