DAVAO City officially entered the digital transport arena on Thursday night with the grand launch of RideIT, the first hyperlocal ride-hailing app designed by and for Davaoeños.
Founder Kevin Joven introduced the homegrown platform during a ceremony at SM City Davao on April 23.
The app aims to provide a “smarter, safer, and more connected” urban mobility solution, offering services ranging from private cars and taxis to parcel delivery and future motorcycle taxis.
LTFRB: ‘They are legal and regulated’
In an interview prior to the launch, LTFRB XI regional director Nonito Llanos III addressed local concerns regarding the app’s legitimacy.
Responding to reports that some taxi drivers initially viewed the new platform as “colorum,” Llanos said, “They are no longer colorum. They have been given accreditation by the LTFRB, so they will now operate as a regular transport corporation. They are legal.”
He further explained the concept of “multi-homing,” noting that franchise holders and operators can freely choose which accredited Transport Network Company (TNC) they want to partner with.
“It’s up to the operator. They can choose to operate under Grab, Maxim, or now, RideIT,” he added.
To ensure RideIT is not used for illegal activities, Llanos said the agency’s strict regulations apply to all accredited TNCs. “We are very strict about it. Because they are accredited, they are now regulated. The public can be assured that this hailing app is safe and legal,” he said.
The future of mototaxis in Davao
While RideIT currently offers taxi and car-hailing services, the app is built to evolve. Llanos shared that the LTFRB is currently finalizing a memorandum circular regarding motorcycle taxis.
“Studies have been done in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro. Our chairperson, Teofilo Guadiz III (or Vigor Mendoza), and the board are finalizing the guidelines,” Llanos explained.
He noted that once the MC is released, RideIT will be able to compete in the mototaxi sector alongside established players like Angkas and Move It.
A point of pride for Davao
LTO XI regional director Atty. Ernesto Raphael Robillo also threw his full support behind the venture, praising the fact that the app was developed locally but has the potential to go national.
“This is a homegrown app, and we support it fully because it is rare to see a ride app start here in our city,” Robillo said. “Having received accreditation from the LTFRB national office, it can now operate nationwide. It brings great pride to Davaoeños.”
RideIT features a standard booking fee of ₱20 and is now available for download, marking a new era for Davao’s local economy and transport management.
