GrabCar PH Press Statement

As per Ms. 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

GrabCar celebrates first anniversary with LTFRB accreditation

If there is one thing admirable about Grab car is the company's persistence to make sure that the commuting public gets the best and safest ride ; legally. And they achieved that mission after getting an accreditation from the LTFRB.

GrabCar, the private hire vehicle booking service available through the GrabTaxi app, recently celebrates its anniversary last July 7 at Black Olive, Capitol Commons by announcing its accreditation as the first private hire vehicle of the  Transportation Network Company (TNC) by the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB) .

Natasha Bautista, Head of GrabCar Philippines, said this GrabCar accreditation validates the company’s efforts in providing the safest and most convenient rides for passengers in the Philippines.

“With full accreditation, more Filipino commuters will be able to use GrabCar and be confident that we offer a legitimate and safe private hire service. We will now focus on rapidly expanding our GrabCar service to serve more passengers across the Philippines,” said Bautista.

“Our GrabCar accreditation by LTFRB is a historical occasion. We commend the Philippine government for collaborating with our team to revolutionize transport in the Philippines through the development of game-changing regulations that champion innovation and public safety for society,” she added.

To celebrate its full accreditation by the Philippine government, GrabCar is giving away an unlimited P100 discount on all GrabCar and GrabCar+ rides! Just use the promo code LEGALLYGRAB on every booking from July 7 to July 21, 2015.

First and only legal service
When GrabCar first entered the market, the service operated on par with the current industry standards. In May 2015, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) announced that it would create a new classification to accommodate mobile app-based booking services. On July 3rd, GrabCar became the first company to complete all the requirements and receive full accreditation as a TNC.

The requirements for TNC accreditation include: business permit, certificate of registration duly issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), business model proposal with proposed fare rates and service charges, and complaint mechanism against vehicle owners and drivers.


Safety remains top priority
“The stringent safety and training process we’ve implemented since day one has ensured that GrabCar complies with the new TNC regulations seamlessly and can be the first to be fully accredited by LTFRB. We are committed to screening and training our GrabPeer drivers for GrabCar in full compliance with the TNVS accreditation requirements set by LTFRB. In fact, we’re working with our Regional Head of Safety and the LTFRB to consistently ensure that our screening and safety measures are of the highest standard possible,” said Bautista.

“GrabCar has been very collaborative. Since day one of operations, they have been working closely with us to ensure that the policy on TNCs prioritizes passenger safety. We are happy to announce that GrabCar has already been accredited upon meeting all government requirements, and we are positive that this will revolutionize the Philippine transportation industry," said Roberto Cabrera, LTFRB Executive Director.

GrabCar aims to complement the current transportation options in the country and provide passengers with another safe and affordable ride option. GrabCar believes that with full accreditation by the Philippine government, TNCs will be able to provide a fast, safe and convenient transport option for passengers.