A netizen recently posted online reminiscing the times where other there were many available PHV options other than Grab.
This was after the netizen faced a $40 fare from east to west in Grab and lamented that in the past (early 2010s), the fare from east to west was below $20.
It seems like the netizen is talking about the era where private hire vehicles first started and companies like Grab and Uber were still the main forces in the market.
Here is what the netizen posted
I havent’s take Grab in a long time and today, i witnessed what everyone’s been complaining about. i was travelling from East to West – fare was almost $40. that’s secondary.. the nearest driver was 10 mins away. and then he couldn’t find where my drop off was. he cancelled (i tried to call a few times/ texted him if he needs help, can call me. but no response) and then i rebooked and nearest one was 10 mins again. thinking that if i should go home and wait or just continue waiting at the drop off. decided to just stay at the dropoff as i dont wanna incur the 3 mins waiting fee. by the time i got into my 2nd Grab, i had waited for more than half an hour at the drop off
as i was waiting for all these to happen, i reminisced the early 2010s when we had Grab, Uber and Gojek. they were always very fast and cheap as well. i remember also travelling from east to west and it was below $20. sigh. and back then when the vouchers were non-stop coming our way. i know they were operating at a loss back then and prolly not viable.. but still.. sigh”
Replies and comments from netizens
- COE and petrol are much higher now. The Grab drivers aren’t earning much more despite the increase in price.
- When was the last time you guys remember keying a Grab promo code that actually meaningful discounts? All we have now is 20% off Grab rides capped at $3 which we have to redeem using our own points. IMO it’s a scam to even call it 20%, just call it $3 off la. Say until so nice.
- No more drivers since the margins are going to the ride hailing app car rentals and oil and gas companies. Higher fare is needed to retain them and attract those Grab drivers who left to come back
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