US-based ride-hailing firm inDrive has adopted human-centered AI technology to provide a safer and more transparent commuting experience to the Philippines, while also preparing to roll out its super app services, which will include courier and grocery offerings.
The company said that its approach is already making an impact by enabling faster query support, predictive demand algorithms, and instant in-app translations across local dialects.
The company recently received the Philippines Technology Excellence Award for AI–Transportation at the Asian Technology Excellence Awards 2025, recognizing its use of AI not only to improve efficiency but also to empower passengers and partner drivers with fair, transparent, and safe ride-hailing services.
Currently, inDrive is preparing to launch its super app features, including courier and online grocery services.
As commuters in the Philippines are highly sensitive to fare costs and transparency, inDrive’s AI-driven model provides better order matching, ensures compliance with the government-mandated fare matrix, and optimizes routes, all while leaving the final decision in the users’ hands.
AI also powers other key features of the app, including: photo-control systems using machine vision to verify vehicle safety and condition; predictive demand algorithms to ensure drivers are in the right place at the right time; and more accurate Estimated Time of Arrival (ETAs) and traffic-sensitive routing in congested cities like Metro Manila and Cebu.
To address language barriers, inDrive has integrated Gemini AI to provide real-time, context-aware translations across English, Tagalog, Cebuano, and other dialects. Since the rollout, users have reported smoother bookings and fewer miscommunications between passengers and drivers.
“To many, AI is simply a tool to improve efficiency. At inDrive Philippines, we see it as a driver of fairness and opportunity,” Sofia Guinto, Business Development Head at inDrive Philippines said ina statement on September 22. “This recognition underscores our commitment to making transportation and mobility more accessible and fair to all. As inDrive continues to grow in the country, we will create better solutions that make mobility more reliable, inclusive, and smarter for Filipinos.”
AI moderation systems also scan booking notes, ride messages, and shared media for inappropriate behavior. In the Philippines, this system has reduced misuse of ride instructions more than threefold within three months, creating a safer digital space for commuters and drivers alike.
inDrive now operates in 888 cities across 48 countries since it startedto operate in the Philippines in December 2023. It is competing with Grab, MoveIt and Green GSM, an affiliate of VinFast, the electric car maker.
