Beyond the Gridlock: Reclaiming Peace on Manila’s Roads

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 electric vehicles as a way to manage expenses and working hours more effectively.

Benedick Ferreras, a Metro Manila driver who had never driven an electric vehicle before, said his decision was shaped by everyday considerations rather than the technology itself. “I save more now because I don’t need to spend on fuel, and maintenance is also lower compared to gas vehicles,” he explained. “It makes planning my monthly expenses more manageable.”

Carlo Monti Galano, a driver working with Green GSM, said he and many of his colleagues share similar experiences. Without the constant worry of rising gasoline prices, managing monthly expenses has become less stressful. “Charging costs are lower, so I have more flexibility for my family and other needs,” he said.

While ride-hailing work is often associated with unpredictable earnings, some Green GSM drivers say 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 overtime.

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 themes: fewer surprises, more manageable costs, and work that feels easier to sustain over time.

For many, the appeal of electric taxis lies not in novelty or scale, but in these small, practical improvements. The vehicle becomes a tool for managing daily realities rather than a symbol of change

The demands of 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. Raul Dela Cruz, another driver new to electric vehicles, described the difference in simple terms. “It’s smooth and quiet,” he said. “In heavy traffic, that makes driving feel 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. Smoother handling and quieter cabins make it easier to stay focused during long hours on congested streets.

From the passenger’s perspective, these changes are felt in simple ways. Yaj Myel Manzo, a regular commuter in Metro Manila, said rides now feel easier and more comfortable. “The car is quiet, the Green GSM driver is careful, and the overall experience feels calm,” he said. “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 make a big difference. More predictable workdays, calmer journeys, and a growing sense of reliability may not draw attention. Still, for those who live and work on Manila’s roads, they can make a meaningful difference, one trip at a time.