Grab faces pushback from NTUC over incentive changes, delays implementation

Independent Singapore

3 days ago

SINGAPORE – Ride-hailing platform Grab has postponed changes to driver incentive schemes, following mounting feedback from full-time drivers and the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) that the new structure could destabilise earnings.
The revision, originally set to take effect on July 1, would have seen Grab roll out Streak Zones islandwide — a feature allowing drivers to pre-book two-hour high-demand time slots where all bookings are auto-accepted. For every trip completed during these sessions, drivers were promised 5 per cent cashback, paid out the next day. Grab had argued the move would improve driver cash flow and better match supply with peak-hour demand.
The 5% incentive was to be drawn from Grab's own internal budget — not passenger fares, as part of a wider restructuring of the monthly bonus scheme. Under the revised plan, lower-tier drivers would have seen their cash bonuses slashed or removed altogether, while top-tier drivers completing 651 or more rides monthly could earn up to 21 per cent in bonuses, lowered from the current 701-trip threshold. See also Pritam Singh says "sparks will fly" come elections Pushback from the ground
The announcement triggered pushback from drivers, unions, and MPs alike. In a June 23 Facebook post , NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and MP Yeo Wan Ling cautioned that the changes risked leaving many full-time drivers worse off. 'The added complexity makes it harder for drivers to work out whether they'll be better off compared to the previous structure,' she noted, also highlighting concerns over whether all drivers would have fair access to limited Streak Zone slots.
The NPHVA further warned that many drivers rely on these monthly bonuses to supplement base fares and meet income goals. Those completing between 300 and 650 rides monthly, which is a common range among full-timers, were poised to be hit hardest by the revisions.
In a joint statement with Grab on June 25, the NPHVA confirmed that the company would pause the implementation of its new structure to ensure 'drivers' concerns are fully addressed before rolling out further changes.' Dialogue reopened
Grab said it remains committed to working with the NPHVA and driver-partners to co-develop incentive programmes that balance flexibility, sustainability, and fairness. 'We will continue to engage our partners through feedback sessions and constructive dialogue,' the company said, noting a session had already been scheduled for June 26.
The NPHVA echoed that it would continue advocating for drivers' interests, especially regarding income predictability and access to incentives. Next steps?
As the ride-hailing landscape evolves, drivers have grown increasingly vocal about structural changes that impact their earnings, especially amid rising operational costs and economic uncertainty.
While Grab positioned Streak Zones as a way to reward performance and address high-demand gaps, the latest reversal underscores the importance of consultation and transparency with gig workers when reshaping income models in the platform economy.
With the July 1 changes now on hold, the ball is back in the court of collaborative negotiation, a timely reminder that Singapore's ride-hailing industry runs not just on algorithms, but on the real livelihoods of those behind the wheel.