Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9) — Amid a low pool of drivers, Grab Philippines said it has reintroduced its carpooling service to address the sharp increase in ride demands that has overwhelmed its network.
With GrabShare, a feature suspended when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the Philippines in March 2020, the company seeks to maximize existing cars on the road as Grab admitted the current demand has already “put a strain” on its drivers.
Given the holiday rush last year and with the demands peaking up, Grab said its drivers were online for at least seven hours per day, with more than 90% driving for most of the week.
However, one out of two passengers could not book a GrabCar during the holidays due to driver shortage.
“We deeply empathize with every passenger and driver-partner who were frustrated and inconvenienced during the last holiday season. We do not always get it right, but rest assured that we will do more to make every commuter’s mobility experience much better, and prevent these inconveniences from happening again,” Grab Philippines Senior Director for Operations Ronald Roda said in a statement Monday.
Through GrabShare, which allows passengers to share their rides with other commuters at cheaper rates, the ride-hailing firm hopes to serve more Filipinos while it boosts its driver network.
Last week, Grab expressed optimism it could onboard more drivers after transportation authorities opened over 4,400 TNVS slots.
