A woman travelling home to Yishun after midnight was left frightened after her Grab ride allegedly took an unexpected detour through Yio Chu Kang and Mandai, turning what was supposed to be a 26-minute journey into an hour-long ordeal.
The passenger, identified as Rose, said the driver repeatedly told her that roads were closed and that he could not reach her destination.
The situation reportedly became increasingly unsettling when the driver allegedly suggested that she spend the night at a friend’s place and later attempted to drop her off at a dark and quiet bus stop.
Rose shared her experience in a TikTok video on Oct 28, explaining how what initially appeared to be a friendly conversation with the driver eventually turned into a frightening journey.
Driver allegedly claimed roads to Yishun were closed
According to Rose, her friend had booked a Grab ride for her from Circuit Road to Yishun on Saturday night.
The driver arrived at around 12.50am.
She described the driver as a friendly and talkative elderly man who introduced himself during their conversation and revealed that he was 75 years old.
Rose, who works as a preschool teacher, said he asked whether she smoked and even offered to let her smoke inside the vehicle, despite her telling him that she did not.
The pair continued chatting during the initial part of the journey, with Rose recording some of their conversation because she found his stories amusing.
However, things took a turn when the driver claimed that Lentor Avenue was closed.
He allegedly explained that he had previously attempted to use the route on another night but was unable to get through.
As a result, he decided to take another route towards Upper Thomson Road.
Rose said they subsequently encountered another road closure.
By around 1.30am, approximately 40 minutes had passed, and the vehicle had reached the area near SBS Transit in Yio Chu Kang.
The driver allegedly told her that there was no other way to reach Yishun and asked whether she had any friends nearby whom she could stay with for the night.
Rose was reportedly confused by the suggestion, as she simply wanted to return home.
Friend noticed Grab was heading in the wrong direction
Things became more concerning when Rose’s friend, who had booked the ride, noticed that the vehicle was no longer travelling towards the intended destination.
The Grab app reportedly sent a notification to the friend, who then called Rose to check what was happening.
Rose said she told the driver that he needed to take her home, and he initially appeared to agree.
However, she soon realised that the vehicle was heading in the same direction as before.
When she questioned him, the driver allegedly continued towards Mandai instead.
He subsequently said he would drop her off somewhere and suggested that she alight at a dark, quiet and empty bus stop.
Rose refused, explaining that she did not know how to get home from there.
She said the situation left her shaking, describing the experience as creepy and frightening.
Throughout the incident, her friend remained on the phone with her and informed her that he would contact Grab’s safety team.
Driver allegedly asks for additional payment
According to Rose, the driver eventually offered to take her to her destination but allegedly told her that she would have to pay extra.
Her friend reportedly overheard the conversation and contacted Grab’s safety team.
Rose said Grab’s safety personnel attempted to contact the driver by phone several times, but he allegedly did not answer their calls.
She also claimed that the driver appeared tense and told her not to speak to her friend, insisting that she listen to him instead.
Despite the increasingly uncomfortable situation, Rose remained on the phone with her friend.
The driver eventually agreed to bring her to Yishun.
Rose said she prayed throughout the remaining journey and felt relieved when she finally spotted Northpoint City.
Upon reaching her destination, she ran out of the vehicle.
Grab apologises and says it is investigating
Rose said she shared the incident publicly because passenger safety should be taken seriously.
Speaking to Mothership, she said a Grab representative had contacted her following the incident.
The representative apologised for her experience, requested further details and assured her that the company would provide support.
Rose said she appreciated the response and hoped Grab would investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate steps to ensure passengers’ safety.
In response to media queries, a Grab spokesperson said: “We are committed to providing safe and reliable rides for all passengers, and we are currently looking into this matter.”
The circumstances surrounding the alleged incident remain under investigation by Grab.