A locally developed transport platform has entered the scene as RideIt was officially launched on Thursday in Davao City, positioning itself as the country’s first hyperlocal Transport Network Corporation (TNC).
According to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Region 11 Director Nonito Llanos III, the platform represents a significant step in local transport innovation, as it is the last TNC to be accredited before regulators paused new approvals.
“For the information of everyone, RideIt is the last Transport Network Corporation that is being accredited by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. And after its approval first week of February, our Board made sure that after RideIt’s approval, the accreditation for the TNCs will be closed. So, that is why the last of the Mohicans is RideIt. Now talking about the first, the last becoming the first, I am truly proud that RideIt is the first locally made Transport Network Corporation in Davao City. It’s the first and the only Transport Network Corporation based in Davao City,” Llanos said.
He added that the company could expand operations nationwide, including motorcycle taxis, once guidelines are finalized.
“I want to inform the public that we still do not have a memorandum circular for the MC taxi, the motorcycle taxi. But eventually, when it will come out, Kevin can operate his MC taxi already in Davao and in the entire country. Take note of that, a Dabawenyo operating its transport network corporation in the entire country,” he said.
Llanos also urged the company to stay grounded in its public service mission.
“So, Kevin, I admonish you, I challenge you to continue your commitment that you have mentioned to me when we first met. That wala kay laing tuyo is just to provide a very good public transport system which is safe, reliable for the people of Davao and for the Filipino people as a whole,” he said.
For his part, Kevin Joven described RideIt as a platform built with local needs in mind, aligning closely with government regulations and Davao’s transport landscape.
“RideIt is the first ever hyper-local ride hailing app in the Philippines. Because RideIt is very centric when it comes to local governance. We are really adhering to local governance, especially with the mandates of LTFRB and LTO. So, we are proudly Davao,” Joven said.
He highlighted the importance of supporting a locally developed alternative to foreign-owned ride-hailing services.
“If you know about our…overall in the country, there are existing transport companies, but they are owned by foreign multinationals. So why not support RideIt right now? This is the time where we can connect. We have this local brand,” he said.
Joven emphasized that RideIt aims to go beyond the typical ride-hailing model by promoting a broader vision for urban mobility.
“But what is RideIt all about? RideIt isn’t just an app, it’s a movement born in Davao City, built for Dabawenyos and designed to transform everyday transportation into something smarter, safer, and more empowering,” he said.
He added that the platform is designed to address long-standing transport concerns such as waiting times, fare inconsistencies, and limited options, while using localized data to improve efficiency.
“What we are trying to do is to study our roads, local roads here in Davao City, to make the mapping more efficient and fares more affordable. So, mas mubarato ang pamasahe with RideIt,” Joven said.
Looking ahead, the company envisions contributing to a more connected and forward-looking city.
“Our vision is to move Davao forward, where every ride empowers Dabawenyos, connects communities and builds a smarter, safer city for all,” he said.
