PLDT, Uber open to wider alliance

MANILA, Philippines - The wireless arm of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and ride-sharing service provider Uber are open to expanding their partnership to cover new payment options.

Eric Alberto, executive vice president and head of enterprise for PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. said Smart Money is among the new payment options being considered for Uber passengers. 

“After the credit card, Smart Money would be the natural progression,” he said.

Smart Money is a mobile wallet similar to having a bank account in one’s phone, allowing bills payment and money transfers.

Uber Manila general manager Laurence Cua said the ride-sharing app provider would be open to exploring new payment options for riders.

“We’re open to carrier billing, prepaid or even cash. At the end of the day, what we want is to be able to provide the service to the people,” he said.

At present, Uber is only available to credit card holders in Metro Manila.

Earlier this week, PLDT and Uber announced they have entered into a partnership which covers free Wi-Fi in vehicles and other special promotions.

Under the partnership, Smart is providing Wi-Fi in Uber vehicles which even passengers can use for free.

Uber partner drivers can also get exclusive prepaid and postpaid voice and data packages, bundles and add-ons under the partnership.

Smart is likewise making exclusive phone offers available to partner drivers through an Uber online store using the Tack This! e-commerce platform of PLDT’s digital unit Voyager Innovations.