Fuel prices continue to rise, and for many commuters, the cost of getting from point A to point B is becoming harder to manage. Kasamatch, a browser-based carpooling platform created by IT professional John Mauricio, offers a way for drivers and passengers to share rides and split expenses within their communities. The site works directly in your browser, making it easy to coordinate trips without relying on group chats or multiple apps.
Photo: XT7 Core/Unsplash
Users can connect with nearby drivers or passengers, arrange carpools, and organize shared trips more efficiently—all in one place.
From everyday carpooling to a working platform
In an interview with WhenInManila.com, Mauricio shared that the idea wasn’t something new—it was already part of his routine.
“I’ve been carpooling with my friends for quite some time,” he says. “It worked well because we could split gas expenses, or sometimes I’d even let it slide since they’re close friends.”
That setup paused during the pandemic when work shifted to home-based arrangements. But as fuel prices began to climb again, the impact became more noticeable.
“At first, it was manageable, but over the past few days, the increase has become more significant. You can even feel it with lighter traffic on the roads,” he says.
Photo: Nunpraphat Rodroca/Unsplash
His initial approach was simple: create a group chat within their subdivision so neighbors could coordinate rides. However, it quickly became clear that it wasn’t enough.
“There wasn’t a proper system in place—group chats are hard to manage and not designed for coordination like this.”
With a background in development, Mauricio decided to build a more structured solution. Kasamatch was created to make carpooling more organized, efficient, and accessible, starting with friends and neighbors, with the potential to grow into a wider network.
Sharing costs, not chasing big savings
While carpooling can help reduce expenses, Mauricio explains that the goal isn’t always about cutting costs dramatically.
“When friends or family ride with me, any contribution toward gas is already helpful,” he says. “With the continuous rise in fuel and commodity prices, the goal of carpooling isn’t always about significant savings—it’s more about sharing costs to make travel more manageable.”
Even small contributions can make a difference, especially compared to driving alone or booking ride-hailing services at full fare.
How commuters are adjusting
As fuel prices increase, Mauricio has noticed shifts in how people approach daily travel.
“People are adapting in different ways to save on fuel, but the most noticeable change is that many are choosing not to drive unless necessary,” he observes.
However, he points out that this isn’t an option for everyone. Delivery riders, as well as public utility vehicle drivers, still need to be on the road, making them more vulnerable to rising costs.
Photo: Hitoshi Namura/Unsplash
“My biggest concern is the ripple effect on commodity prices,” he adds. “While private car owners can adjust their budgets, many people who are already struggling to meet basic needs have very limited flexibility.”
Looking ahead
Mauricio hopes that solutions like carpooling can be explored more broadly, alongside proper safety and regulation.
“I hope the government can explore and support solutions like carpooling, while also addressing safety and regulatory concerns,” he says. “I’m open and willing to collaborate if there’s an opportunity to help make this work on a larger scale.”
For now, Kasamatch offers a practical option for those looking to share rides and ease transportation costs, one trip at a time.
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