Media Statement by Natasha Dawn S. Bautista, Head of GrabCar Philippines

GrabTaxi has always been committed to providing a better option for public transportation. We would like to apologize to commuters as not everyone was able to get a ride home via our service during the downpour last Tuesday, 8 September 2015.

Heavy rains resulted in traffic congestion and flooded areas all over Metro Manila. Many of our drivers were affected and got stranded, like the rest of Metro Manila, and were not able to accept bookings as they were caught in the gridlock. The flooded road conditions also meant that they would have risked passenger safety and their cars breaking down.

We acknowledge, however, that we can still improve our passengers’ experience and are taking active steps to increase the number of bookings accepted, including:

  • Release of a few app updates already lined up in the coming weeks to improve the algorithm of matching demand and supply, particularly during peak hours. Currently, availability of drivers can be more accurate and we are further developing the app to address that.
  • Enforce stricter process of reprimanding drivers for the improper use of the app (i.e. not switching off app if unable to accept bookings) and remind them on the high service levels expected. We will not hesitate to investigate and deregister errant drivers. We urge passengers to rate our drivers and give proper feedback in our app so that we may be able to take corrective actions, if any.
  • Review pricing model and effectiveness of the optional tip feature, while maintaining simplified fixed pricing for GrabCar passengers. The fixed pricing model was designed so that passengers don’t have to worry about unreasonable fares because of unforeseen circumstances like different route, traffic, or surge in demand. In the event that these happen, the tip function allows us to balance out high demand during low supply situations without forcing passengers to pay a surge. There have been varying viewpoints on the value of this feature, and we commit to reviewing it to better suit the market.

We will be meeting with the LTFRB to discuss in detail consumer needs and feedback around GrabTaxi/GrabCar and we will continuously improve our service to provide a safe and reliable service for passengers in Manila.

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Hotline number: 883-7100

 

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