A Facebook user, Wang Yanzhen, shared how she was charged an additional $5 for her Grab ride.
Here is the story:
This is my first time posting here but thought it is important to let more people know of potentially dishonest practice by certain grab drivers as I think a lot of people may not check their charges after completion of the ride.
I chose a fixed fare rate for my grab ride yesterday & upon completion of the ride, I realized that there’s an additional $5 charge which I understand from grab that it’s usually for the following reasons: additional waiting time if the passenger is late, or if there’s additional stop or change in stop.
In my case, we were early for the ride and waited approx more than 10-15 mins for the driver as it seems from the app he hasn’t dropped off the previous passenger when this ride was allocated to him so we shouldn’t be charged for being late.
Also, we didn’t have any additional stops or changes in location.
Upon chatting with the grab help center, I realized that the $5 is pressed by the driver & it will be refunded to me.
However I think that this should be taken note of by all because the small amounts add up, each ride earns the drivers an extra $5 for individuals who don’t check, 10 rides $50, 100 rides $500 and I think this practice should not be tolerated.
It is also a waste of time for passengers to contact the help center to get back the refund albeit small amount.
Unless it was a genuine one-off error in pressing?? (Which I don’t believe if he has been driving grab for some time, he shouldn’t be pressing wrongly??)
I regret giving a 5 stars feedback to him upon the pop up when the ride is completed (as I usually just press 5 stars and submit for all rides if no major issues, but after that, I realized the incorrect extra charge), and the grab app didn’t allow me to change feedback or rating.
Netizens’ comments
In order to be charged $5, it is either being charged for an Urban Kanga Seat for 1-3 year old child, or pax changed destination within 5 km range.
It is not possible for the driver to accidentally input a $5 charge, so this possibility is out.
It is also a bit illogical for the driver to risk getting a one-star rating plus complaint just for $5. Not to mention that the driver will also know that the money can be clawed back if it’s found to be wrongfully added.
This is a case of either a dishonest driver or a dishonest/ignorant passenger.
Some passengers are not aware that they are charged for child seats or extra distance traveled, hence they may blame the driver.
I am just looking at the matter from different perspectives and not giving my judgment of who is right or wrong.
Hopefully, Grab will investigate properly and not treat any side unfairly.
