Grab readies enhanced services as it braces for 45% holiday booking demand spike

November 12, 2024
7:59AM PHT

Grab Philippines has intensified efforts to ensure reliable, accessible, and affordable services for its users amid an expected surge in demand as the holiday season approaches, company officials said in a briefing on Monday, Nov. 11.

With a projected 45-percent increase in ride bookings in December and a 20-percent rise in delivery demand on key dates, the “superapp” has rolled out several initiatives aimed at balancing supply and demand, particularly for ride-hailing and food delivery.

“Filipinos just wish to be present this Christmas – fully engaged with families and friends,” Grab Philippines country head Ronald Roda said in a briefing, as he highlighted the platform’s goal to help users celebrate with their loved ones.

Roda explained that Grab has been working since January to meet this demand, collaborating with regulators and launching new features to improve the user experience.

Grab Philippines country head Ronald Roda (center) — flanked by mobility head EJ dela Vega and deliveries head Greg Camacho — explains the measures adopted by the popular ride hailing and delivery services in anticipation of the demand surge during the holidays./Contributed Photo

This year, Grab Philippines expects to benefit from the release of additional transport network vehicle services (TNVS) slots by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), allowing it to onboard more driver-partners.

The company also acknowledged the seasonal challenge of traffic congestion, which often extends trip times and affects driver productivity. To address this, Grab is monitoring fares to ensure sustainable earnings for driver-partners during the busy period.

In addition to the TNVS support, Grab has introduced various technological advancements to optimize its services. The company has rolled out features like group rides and advance booking to support the increased travel demand, and GrabFood group order to ease food delivery for group gatherings.

“We are aware of our customers’ expectations during this season. With that, we have devoted our time, effort, and expertise to elevate their Grab experience,” Roda said, underscoring Grab’s focus on maintaining service quality during the holidays.

Grab’s key holiday preparation measures:

  • Expanded driver base: Collaboration with LTFRB to secure new TNVS slots for increased driver-partner availability.
  • Fare monitoring: Ensuring fare adjustments balance driver earnings with passenger affordability.

New ride-hailing features:

  • Advance booking: Allows users to schedule airport rides up to seven days ahead.
  • Group rides: Enables up to four passengers to share a ride and reduce fare costs.
  • GrabCar saver: Offers lower-cost rides with a longer wait time.  

Delivery service upgrades:

  • GrabFood group order: Simplifies ordering for group meals with increasing discounts.
  • GrabFood saver: Provides budget-friendly delivery options.
  • Large orders: Tailored for festive gatherings with deals on bulk orders.

Safety enhancements:

  • Audio protect: Records ride audio for dispute resolution and added security.
  • Family account: Allows family members to share a single account with safety monitoring.

Grab officials said the firm’s holiday preparations underscore its commitment to delivering a seamless experience for Filipino families during the festive season.

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