Out with the old, in with the new: a social exchange perspective on the e-hailing preference of Metro Manila taxi riders based on participation intent

Abstract

The Philippines is the first country in the world to develop nationwide ride-hailing regulations legalizing Transport Network Vehicle Services like Uber and Grab earning both praise and criticism from passengers and drivers alike. A survey was administered to 100 purposively selected taxi riders from Metro Manila to measure the variables of Reputation, Social Presence, Benevolence, Perceived Risk, Economic Benefit, Social Benefit, and Epistemic Benefit for their effect on Participation Intent towards e-hailing. The survey was complemented by the findings from the interviews with six key informants. It was found through the regression analysis and interviews that Reputation and Epistemic Benefit were found to be the strongest predictors of Participation Intent, followed by Perceived Risk. The other variables were of little or no effect. It is concluded that while Trust and Relative Advantage have an effect on Participation Intent, the seven variables are only part of a wider criteria in determining ride hailing preference.