🔹OVERVIEW
1. What is the RideNow Smart School Shuttle?
RideNow is the Philippines’ first tech-enabled school shuttle solution, proudly homegrown and developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s innovation arm, Azul Hub. It offers students a safe, reliable, and convenient way to get to and from school — launching soon at AdZU Tumaga!
🔹ELIGIBILITY & ENROLLMENT
2. Who can use the shuttle service?
The service is initially for students of AdZU Tumaga who are expected to stay in school for the entire day. RideNow aims to expand to other schools in the future.
3. How can we sign up or show interest?
Visit this link to fill out the interest form
4. How are shuttle slots assigned?
Slots are on a first come, first served basis. Each shuttle can accommodate 18 passengers. If a route is full, a waitlist will be created, and a new shuttle may be opened once the capacity requirement is met.
🔹ROUTES & DAILY OPERATIONS
5. When and where does RideNow start?
RideNow launches on June 23, 2025, with two initial routes:
- Route A1 – Mercedes, Culianan, and Boalan
- Route A2 – Divisoria, Zambowood, and Putik
This limited rollout allows us to perfect fleet management and refine our technology before expanding the service.
6. What are the future routes?
Beginning August 2025, the following routes will be added:
- Route A3 – Tetuan, Tugbungan, and Talon-Talon
- Route A4 – Sta. Maria and Pasonanca
- Route A5 – Guiwan and Tumaga
- Route A6 onwards – To be created based on demand
7. How are the routes organized?
Routes are formed by clustering adjacent barangays, with each route assigned one shuttle that carries up to 18 students. Additional shuttles can be added per route as long as the 18-passenger minimum is met.
8. Where will students be picked up and dropped off?
Pick-up and drop-off will be at pre-agreed barangay roads nearest to the students’ residences. These points must be passable and accessible to the shuttle.
9. What are the rules for pick-up times?
- Students must be at the designated pick-up point at least 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.
- The shuttle will wait for 2 minutes only.
- Students not present after the 2-minute window will be left behind.
- There will be *no refunds* for missed trips.
This policy ensures that the shuttle arrives at school on time.
🔹 SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY
10. What safety features are in place?
RideNow prioritizes student safety through:
- Trained drivers and onboard stewards
- Brand-new, LTFRB-compliant vehicles
- Individual seat belts
- CCTV cameras
- Parent alert system
- Comprehensive accident insurance
- Coordination with public safety response teams
11. What makes the service comfortable and convenient?
Students will benefit from:
- Forward-facing seats
- Air conditioning
- Ample space for bags
- No need to hail rides — all trips are scheduled and monitored
12. What kind of technology is used?
RideNow uses QR code and NFC technology to ensure secure and efficient check-ins and real-time tracking.
13. How does the tech work?
Each student is issued a RideCard, which they tap when boarding and getting off the shuttle. This system notifies parents at five key points each day:
- When the shuttle is on its way to pick up students
- When their child has boarded the shuttle
- When the child has arrived at school
- When the child has boarded the shuttle for the ride home
- When the child has been dropped off at home
14. Is there a mobile app for parents?
Yes! RideNow has its own mobile app available on both Android and iOS. The app allows parents to:
- Track pick-up and drop-off activity in real time
- Receive alerts on boarding, arrival, and drop-off
- Stay updated on payment reminders
- View important school and shuttle announcements
🔹 RATES & PAYMENT TERMS
15. Is the service affordable?
Yes! RideNow offers competitive per-way rates — even cheaper than standard tricycle fares. Rates already cover:
- Transportation
- Technology features
- Comprehensive insurance
16. What are the payment terms?
- Subscription requires a one-year lock-in contract.
- A one-month deposit is due upon subscription and will be applied to the last month of the contract.
- Monthly payments are prepaid and must be made on or before the 15th of each month.
Failure to pay on time may result in slot forfeiture and loss of the deposit.