Like any other capital city in Southeast Asia, traffic and fluctuating fuel prices and long working hours shape the daily routine of drivers and passengers alike. With this, electric taxis has become part of every day life, and a practical solution.
Driving for a living in Manila has always involved trade-offs. Income can vary from week to week, operating costs are hard to control and long hours on busy roads leave little room for planning. For many drivers, these pressures have prompted them to explore EVs as a way to manage expenses and working hours more effectively.
"I save more now because I don't need to spend on fuel, and maintenance is also lower compared to gas vehicles," said Benedick Ferreras, a Metro Manila Driver who is a first-time driver of an EV. "It makes planning my monthly expenses more manageable."
For Carlo Monti Galano, one of the drivers working for Green GSM, he said that "Charging costs are lower, so I have a more flexibility for my family and other needs."
Hail-riding work is often associated with unpredictable earnings, some with Green GSM drivers saying that their income now feels steadier than before. Rather than sharp swings from one week to the next, earnings have become easier to anticipate, allowing drivers to plan working hours more carefully and reduce excessive overtimes.
Beyond finances, clearer working arrangements also matter. For drivers accustomed to informal setups, knowing what to expect at the end of the month provides a sense of stability. Conversations in waiting areas or at charging stations often return to the same them: fewer surprises, more manageable costs and work that feels easier.
The demands of Metro Manila's roads extend beyond finances. Hours spent in stop-and-go traffic take a physical and mental toll, particularly for drivers who spend most of their day behind the wheel.
"It's smooth and quiet," said Raul Dela Cruz, another driver new to EV. "In heavy traffic, that makes driving feels less stressful and easier to manage."
The absence of engine noise and vibration may seem subtle at first, but over time, drivers say it contributes to a calmer workday. Smooth handling and quieter cabins make it easier to stay focused during long hours on congested streets.
"The car is quiet, the Green GSM driver is careful and the overall experience feels calm," explained Yaj Myel Manzo, a passenger. "For me, a good ride is one I don't have to think about."
Consistent service standards and built-in safety features help create an environment where both drivers and riders feel more at ease. For many passengers, ease is built through repetition rather than promises. A trip that starts and ends smoothly, without negotiation or uncertainty, becomes part of the daily routine. Over time, these experiences shape how people perceive reliability on the road.
Electric taxis are not transforming Manila's transport landscape overnight. Instead, they are gradually becoming part of the city's daily rhythm, blending into traffic and everyday life. In a place defined by constant movement, progress often shows up quietly.
Between traffic and trust, small shifts matter. More predictable workdays, calmer journeys and a growing sense of reliability may not draw attention, but for those who live and work on Manila's roads, they can make a meaningful difference, one trip at a time.
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