INSIDER SPOTLIGHT
With Metro Manila traffic intensifying and demand for transport projected to surge, the superapp is positioning its network to absorb the seasonal crunch.
Holiday demand surge puts pressure on transport supply
According to Grab, heavy congestion across key cities is extending ride-hailing trip times by 20 percent to 25 percent during peak hours.
The slowdown reduces the number of trips a TNVS driver can complete in a day—an efficiency strain compounded by an expected 36 percent spike in fourth-quarter ride-hailing demand, Grab explained in a press statement.
Grab Philippines managing director Ronald Roda acknowledged the familiar seasonal hurdles:“This holiday season will be a challenge… We are facing a slew of macroeconomic factors, from an uptick in demand to the traffic conditions of the metro. There will be moments when getting a ride feels harder than usual, but we promise to do our absolute best to be better than last year.”
Airport partnership to ease pick-up congestion
A major component of Grab’s holiday strategy is its strengthened partnership with New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), which is managing escalating passenger volumes at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Year-to-date data showed a 30-percent increase in ride-hailing demand at NAIA, making airport terminals a critical flashpoint during the Christmas travel rush.
To alleviate bottlenecks, Grab is deploying free shuttle rides to connect arrivals at NAIA Terminal 3 to One Ayala.
Operating from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM across the holiday peak weekends of Dec. 5–8, 12–16, and 19–22, the shuttles aim to help travelers reach Manila’s public transport network even when TNVS supply is fully stretched.
NNIC general manager Angelito Alvarez lauded the initiative, noting that added mobility options “make a big difference when the airport is at its busiest.”
Grab has also expanded its 24-hour concierge service to assist passengers with booking difficulties.
Carpooling, group rides to maximize fleet
To optimize limited TNVS resources, Grab is scaling its carpool and multi-stop ride features. Its pilot program “Sabay Sakay", done with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), consolidates shared bookings along high-demand corridors such as Pasig–Makati and Pasig–BGC.
Meanwhile, Grab Group Rides enables up to four passengers to coordinate multi-stop trips through a shared link, with routing algorithms organizing the most efficient sequence of pickups and drop-offs.
By maximizing seat utilization, the feature boosts driver productivity while expanding passenger capacity.
Supporting food delivery amid peak orders
On the delivery side, Grab is easing holiday bulk-order fulfillment through Party Platters, which algorithmically splits large orders across multiple riders to prevent bottlenecks and maintain service reliability.
Driver support a priority
To ensure consistent service quality, Grab has also deployed refresher modules through Grab Academy, reinforcing standards on passenger handling, safety, and ride fulfillment.
As the holiday rush peaks, Grab’s layered approach—airport shuttles, carpooling, service optimization, and driver training—aims to keep mobility and deliveries steady for millions of Filipinos celebrating the season. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
