Metro Manila… Where Getting a Ride is Half the Battle.

Frankly, navigating Metro Manila is not for the faint of heart. Between the scorching heat, jeepneys playing chicken on EDSA, and the occasional rogue tricycle in the middle of a highway, the daily commute is already stressful. Now, add to that the mystery and misery of hailing a taxi.

For years, I was that person. I relied heavily on taxis. Rain or shine, weekday or weekend—I hailed one like clockwork. Until one day, I had enough. The inconsistencies became too glaring to ignore. And that’s when I discovered my knight in shining armor (on four wheels, no less): Grab.

First things first, I don’t get paid to endorse Grab or any ride-hailing app, okay? I just genuinely want to make your life easier when navigating the chaos that is Metro Manila.

A Quick History of Grab: From Malaysian Startup to Southeast Asia’s Ride Hero

Grab started in 2012 as “MyTeksi” in Malaysia. Its founders saw the need for safe and reliable transport in Southeast Asia. Fast-forward to today: Grab is no longer just a ride-hailing app. It’s a super app offering deliveries, food, logistics, insurance, and even e-wallet services—all in one platform.

In the Philippines, Grab entered the scene in 2013 and quickly changed the way we moved around. For many, it wasn’t just about convenience—it was about safety, reliability, and predictability.

My Taxi Horror Story: Why I Ditched the Old Way

There was a point in my life when taxis were my lifeline. I’d hop into one almost every other day to go to the same destination. For a while, everything was predictable. The flagdown rate was PHP 40, with PHP 13.50 per kilometer and PHP 2 per minute of waiting time. My usual fare? PHP 90 to PHP 100 tops.

But just before the pandemic hit (between 2017 and 2019), I noticed something odd. The fare started creeping up—first PHP 120, then PHP 150… one day, it hit PHP 170+. I wasn’t going to a different place. I wasn’t stuck in traffic longer than usual. The only thing that changed was how inconsistent the meter had become.

One time, I even confronted the driver politely, asking if his meter was recalibrated. He just shrugged and said, “Ma’am, traffic is really bad today.” But I knew that wasn’t it.

That’s when I started using Grab regularly, and honestly, it changed everything.

Why I Recommend Grab Over Traditional Taxis (and Why You Should Too)

Here’s a breakdown of what makes Grab the better choice, especially if you want to keep your blood pressure in check:

1. Upfront Pricing = No Surprises

With taxis, every ride feels like playing Russian roulette with your wallet. With Grab, the fare is shown upfront before you even book. No shady meter “adjustments.” No driver suddenly taking the “longer but faster” route. What you see is what you pay.

Even during surge pricing, you know the fare before committing—giving you full control to say yes or no.

2. Cashless Transactions = Safer, Cleaner, Smarter

Grab supports cashless payments via credit/debit cards and GrabPay. This isn’t just convenient—it’s also safer. No more fiddling with change or worrying if the driver has coins for your PHP 500 bill. Especially during the pandemic era, going cashless meant minimizing contact and germs.

3. Digital Receipts = Transparent Transactions

Gone are the days when you need to “guesstimate” your fare for reimbursement or split the bill with friends. Grab sends a detailed digital receipt to your email or in-app history. It shows the route, distance, duration, and fare breakdown. Try asking a metered taxi for the same!

4. Driver Profiles = Accountability

Every Grab ride is trackable. You know your driver’s name, vehicle plate, and even their rating. If something goes wrong, you can report it—and there’s a system that actually works. Compare that to a taxi where the plate number is half-erased and the driver name is covered with a sticker of Santo Niño.

5. Safety Features = Peace of Mind

Grab offers several in-app safety tools:

• Share your ride with friends or family.
• SOS button for emergencies.
• Driver ratings and feedback system.

There’s even insurance coverage during your ride, just in case something unfortunate happens.

6. Service Variety = Options for Every Budget

Here’s a quick guide to the different services you can book through the app:

• GrabCar – This is your go-to private car service. You can choose between Standard (budget-friendly) or Premium (for when you feel a little fancy). It’s air-conditioned, comfortable, and perfect for solo rides or small groups.
• GrabTaxi – the app connects you with accredited taxis, minus the stress of haggling on the street.
• GrabPet – Traveling with your furbaby? GrabPet is a pet-friendly option, designed for passengers bringing along small pets. The drivers are trained and the vehicles are prepped for paws and tails.
  • As a furmom, I tried this myself about 3-4 times, and the service was fantastic!
• GrabBike – A fast, affordable motorcycle ride ideal for solo commuters who don’t mind a little wind in their hair (and helmet, of course). Sadly, GrabBike isn’t active anymore but here are some good alternatives:
  • Angkas
  • JoyRide
  • Move It
• Advance Booking – Need a ride tomorrow at 5AM? No problem! Grab lets you schedule a ride in advance—perfect for airport trips or important appointments you can’t afford to be late for.
• Group Rides – Planning a night out or errands with friends? You can book a ride with up to three buddies, add multiple stops, and even split the fare in-app so no one gets stuck paying the whole bill.
• Multi-stop Rides – Got a few errands along the way? Add extra stops to your trip so you can hop from one location to another without booking separate rides.

Whether you’re heading to the airport, your next meeting, or a spontaneous food crawl with your barkada, Grab’s got a ride for you.

7. Rewards and Promos = Sulit

Every ride earns you GrabRewards points, which you can convert into discounts, free rides, or vouchers for food and shopping. Taxis don’t give you rewards. They give you headaches.

But What About the Downsides?

To be fair, Grab isn’t perfect. Let’s be objective here:

• Surge pricing during peak hours can make rides expensive.
• Availability in outer provinces or rural areas is limited.
• App errors or occasional driver cancellations do happen.

But even with these issues, it’s still lightyears better than risking a rogue taxi overcharging you, or worse, compromising your safety.

A Quick Comparison: Grab vs. Taxi

For Tourists, Expats, and Balikbayans: Use Grab, Please

If you’re new in town, you’re an easy target for the infamous “NAIA Taxi Scam.” Drivers outside the airport terminals will quote flat rates like PHP 1,500 for a PHP 400 trip, and they’ll even smile while doing it.

Using Grab at the airport gives you:

• Predictable fares
• Driver accountability
• Proper routing
• Digital record of the ride

Trust me—when you just got off a 16-hour flight and you’re lugging two balikbayan boxes, the last thing you want is to argue with a driver about a rigged fare.

Tita Tips for Using Grab Like a Pro

As your honorary Tita of Transport, let me give you some friendly, field-tested tips:

1. Book from a safe spot

Avoid standing in the middle of traffic while waiting for your Grab. Not only is it unsafe, but your driver might also cancel if you’re hard to find.

2. Use landmarks when setting pick-up pins

Sometimes GPS isn’t as precise. Type in recognizable places (e.g., “Starbucks Uptown Mall”) to avoid confusion.

3. Double-check car plate and driver name

Never hop in until you’ve confirmed the details match your app. Stranger danger is real, bes.

4. Avoid surge hours if possible

If you’re flexible, try booking before rush hour starts or after it ends. You’ll save money and frustration.

5. GrabShare hack (if it returns)

Choose GrabShare during off-peak hours. You’ll often get the entire car to yourself for a cheaper price.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About Comfort—It’s About Safety and Sanity

Choosing Grab over a traditional taxi isn’t just a matter of convenience. It’s about taking control of your commute, being informed, and making choices that prioritize your safety, wallet, and mental health.

Yes, it may cost a little more during surge hours, but the peace of mind is worth every centavo. No more dodgy meters. No more drivers who refuse to turn on the AC or take you on a “scenic route.” No more fare disputes that ruin your day.

To My Fellow Manileños and Visitors Alike:

If you’re still stuck in the old-school taxi trap, it’s time to level up. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend warrior, or a balikbayan visiting home—Grab is your best bet.

Have mercy on yourself. I’m begging you—just use Grab. Unless you enjoy skyrocketing your blood pressure, arguing with a taxi driver, and becoming a cautionary tale in your group chat as “that poor soul who paid PHP 1,200 from NAIA to Makati,” then sure, go for it. But if you’re after peace, convenience, and a digital receipt to prove to your future self that you made a wise life choice? Use. Grab.

It’s like having a personal driver in your pocket… minus the entitlement, plus a lot more accountability.

So the next time you’re about to wave down a taxi, ask yourself:

“Do I want to roll the dice—or do I want to Grab my ride and go?”