In a recent announcement, Grab, the popular ride-hailing service, revealed plans to introduce a new feature in Singapore that would allow passengers to select their own routes during rides. This initiative, which was set to begin testing on May 20, has since raised concerns among local private hire vehicle drivers, particularly regarding its potential impact on their earnings. Following the initial excitement, it appears that Grab may be reconsidering the rollout of this feature.
Initially, Grab informed drivers that the new route selection option would be available, with notifications sent through the driver app and the GrabChat communication platform. The company reassured drivers that fares would be calculated based on travel time and distance, regardless of the chosen route.
The proposed feature was designed to enhance passenger experience by providing multiple route options after entering pick-up and drop-off locations. Passengers would be able to select their preferred route, with fares estimated based on the chosen path. However, once a route is selected, changes would not be permitted.
Concerns have been voiced by private hire drivers regarding the fairness of fare calculations.
Ah Hai, a 42-year-old driver using platforms like Grab, Gojek, and Tada, expressed scepticism about the new system, stating that the traditional arrangement of fixed fares with drivers determining the route has been the norm. He argued that if passengers are allowed to choose their routes, it should be based on a meter fare to ensure fairness.
“While Grab claims that fares will be calculated based on travel time and distance, how exactly is that determined? The algorithm may not benefit either drivers or passengers,” he remarked.
Another driver, Aziz, 37, shared similar concerns, stating that he would be open to following a passenger’s chosen route as long as the fare remains reasonable. However, he expressed apprehension about the potential for unfair fare calculations, which could lead to penalties from Grab if he refuses a ride based on route selection.
The National Private Hire Vehicle Drivers Association of Singapore has been actively engaging with Grab to clarify the operational details of this new feature. On May 23, the association’s advisor, Yang Ruoling, highlighted on Facebook that drivers, who are familiar with road conditions and routes, should be consulted before passengers make route decisions. She emphasized that without driver input, passengers may not receive the best advice, potentially leading to disputes that could create a tense atmosphere in the vehicle and distract drivers.
Moreover, concerns have been raised about fair compensation for drivers, particularly if passengers opt for routes that avoid electronic road pricing, resulting in longer journeys without clear guidelines on how drivers would be compensated fairly. As the situation develops, both drivers and passengers await further clarification from Grab regarding the future of this controversial feature.