Singapore News – GrabCab, the latest addition to Singapore’s taxi landscape, is set to launch in July 2025 with an initial fleet of 40 Toyota Prius hybrid cars. The service aims to attract new and dormant taxi drivers by offering various incentives, while intentionally avoiding the recruitment of drivers from existing taxi firms.
Launch Details
The GrabCab fleet will feature a dark green livery and will be equipped with a Driver App and taximeter. The vehicles will be fully hybrid, aligning with Singapore’s green initiatives. GrabCab is expected to provide drivers and commuters with more choices, increasing the overall supply of taxis in the market.
Key Features of GrabCab
- Initial Fleet: 40 Toyota Prius hybrid cars.
- Driver App: Allows drivers to manage rides and sync with the taxi’s Mobile Data Terminal (MDT).
- Fare Structure: Competitive pricing with a flag down fare starting at S$4.60, with increments based on distance and waiting time.
Driver Incentives
GrabCab is offering a range of benefits to attract drivers, including:
- Monetary Incentives: A S$1,000 bonus for safe driving over a 12-month period without at-fault accidents.
- Trip Bonuses: A 1% “GrabStreak” bonus for completing between 500 to 700 trips a month.
- Fuel Discounts: Up to 40% off at Caltex petrol stations and discounts at electric vehicle charging providers.
- Medical Benefits: Coverage for medical visits and prolonged medical leave benefits.
- Welcome Bonuses: Up to S$1,888 for the first 100 drivers who sign up.
Focus on Reactivating Dormant Drivers
Victor Sim, head of GrabCab, emphasized that the company aims to reactivate inactive Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licence (TDVL) holders rather than poaching drivers from competitors. He noted that there is a significant pool of potential drivers who can be incentivized to return to the industry.
Addressing Supply Challenges
The introduction of GrabCab comes at a time when demand for ride-hailing services is expected to grow. Sim acknowledged that while the taxi industry may seem like a sunset industry, it still plays a crucial role in meeting transportation needs, especially during peak demand periods.
Future Plans
GrabCab will have a three-year grace period to expand its fleet to meet the minimum requirement of 800 taxis. However, the company plans to scale up its fleet in response to driver demand sooner rather than later.
Sim reiterated that GrabCab’s entry into the market is not about competing with existing operators but rather about increasing the overall supply of taxi services in Singapore. The company aims to grow the market rather than take away from other operators.
For more information on GrabCab and its services, interested drivers can register starting June 9, 2025, while pre-registered drivers can begin appointments from June 5, 2025.