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Independent Singapore
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Independent Singapore
Grab faces pushback from NTUC over incentive changes, delays implementation
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.
Straits Times
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Grab to pause changes to bonus scheme after calls from national private-hire drivers' group
This update was broadcast to all drivers on Grab's platform via an in-app message at around 4.45pm on June 25. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Grab to pause changes to bonus scheme after calls from national private-hire drivers' group SINGAPORE – Ride-hailing platform Grab will delay the roll-out of changes to its incentive schemes, which were initially slated for July 1. In a joint statement by Grab and the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA), both parties said on June 25 that Grab has decided to pause the planned changes following discussions with the NPHVA and in response to feedback from Grab drivers. This move was made to ensure that concerns from NPHVA and Grab drivers are fully addressed before further changes are rolled out, they added. This update was broadcast to all drivers on Grab's platform via an in-app message at around 4.45pm on June 25. In the message, Grab said there will be no changes to the existing monthly bonus scheme for now. After Grab announced its upcoming revisions to the existing monthly bonus scheme on June 20 , the NPHVA publicly requested the ride-hailing operator to delay the changes on June 23 due to concerns over reduced earnings for most full-time drivers. This is because the upcoming Streak Zones scheme will cut the percentages of bonuses across tiers and trip milestones . For instance, the bonus for the 300th to 499th rides, which now starts at 8 per cent for drivers at the lowest level, will be halved to 4 per cent. Currently, those who clock at least 300 rides also earn a cash bonus of $30, $80 or $100, depending on their incentive level. But from July 1, when the Streak Zones scheme takes effect, drivers at the lowest incentive level will no longer receive this cash bonus while the amounts for the next two tiers will be cut to $30 and $50, respectively. The Streak Zones scheme, trialled in May 2024, allows drivers to pre-book two-hour time slots, mostly during peak periods, where they drive in high-demand areas. Drivers earn a cashback of 5 per cent on every completed trip. Grab and NPHVA said on June 25 that the association had provided feedback that some drivers rely on the bonuses to earn more money beyond the basic fares they receive for completed trips. Additionally, they noted there were worries that the revised bonus scheme might make it harder for some drivers to reach their target earnings. 'While Grab's intention was to help driver-partners reduce driving hours and reach their earning goals faster, Grab recognised that the planned changes could have been better implemented,' said Grab and NPHVA. Both parties said Grab remains committed to working closely with NPHVA to 'find effective solutions' that address drivers' concerns , and that it deeply appreciates the association's continued guidance in supporting Grab drivers . They added that NPHVA appreciates Grab's partnership and will continue engaging the ride-hailing operator to champion workers' interests. Grab had previously initiated a feedback session with its drivers on June 26 to discuss the changes in its bonus scheme. It told its drivers in the in-app message on June 25 that this session will proceed as scheduled. Drivers told The Straits Times that those who complete fewer than 500 trips each month will see a drop in their earnings, and that the 5 per cent cashback on completed trips in each Streak Zones slot is marginal. Esther Loi is a journalist at The Straits Times, where she covers transport issues. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- CNA
Grab Singapore pauses planned incentive changes, drivers call for higher base fares
SINGAPORE: Incentive changes originally planned to help Grab drivers increase their earnings while driving in specific zones within a set timeframe have been put on hold, according to a joint statement by the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) and Grab on Wednesday (Jun 25). "Following consultation with the NPHVA and in response to feedback from our driver-partners, Grab has decided to pause the planned incentive changes to ensure their concerns are fully addressed before rolling out further changes," the statement said. It added that NPHVA had shared feedback that some drivers rely on these incentives to supplement the basic fares, and that there were worries the revised structure might make it harder for some to reach their target earnings. "While Grab's intention was to help driver-partners reduce driving hours and reach their earning goals faster, Grab recognised that the planned changes could have been better implemented," the statement said. An in-app message sent to drivers stated that the changes to the Grab Streak Bonus and Streak Zones incentives had "raised questions and uncertainty". The planned changes will be paused with immediate effect for further review, said the message. "This means that there will be no change to the existing Grab Streak Bonus and Streak Zones programmes." Last week, Grab announced planned updates to its Streak Zones scheme that were set to kick in from Jul 1. It would allow drivers to pre-book two-hour time slots where they would drive, mostly during peak hours. This would have given drivers a 5 per cent cash back on every completed trip, along with an additional cash bonus for reaching specific milestones. All trips completed under Streak Zones would also contribute toward Grab's monthly bonus milestones. Before the rollout was paused, Grab told CNA that the scheme was designed to allow driver partners to benefit from both programmes simultaneously and achieve their earnings goals faster. However, the NPHVA raised concerns with the incentive changes. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Ms Yeo Wan Ling, adviser to the NPHVA, said the scheme would affect drivers' earnings. 'Moving money away from the Streak Bonus that drivers are more familiar with, stable to rely on, could mean reduced earnings for majority of our average drivers,' she said. "There's no assurance that sufficient slots will be available and in what arrangements for all eligible drivers interested to participate in these Streak Zones," she noted, adding that the changes "make earnings less predictable". Drivers who spoke to CNA echoed these sentiments. Full-time driver Mr Yeo said the proposed change was 'worse off' than the current incentives as it would not be easy to book slots in the streak zones and drivers would hence earn less. Another full-time driver, Mr Dan Lim, said the proposed incentive was unfair to drivers like himself, who work from 7pm to 6am, outside of peak hours. Night shift drivers must be treated fairly, especially with 'long distance pick up and short distance drop off', he said, adding that he barely earns a profit of S$50 (US$39). 'Most incentives go to daytime (drivers), not midnight,' he said. Other drivers said the ride-hailing firm should focus less on such incentives, and instead raise the base fare for rides. Mr Andy Lim, who has been a full-time driver with Grab for eight years, said the incentives make 'no difference' to him and are 'not that much'. In order to benefit from the Grab Streak Bonus incentive, he said drivers need to automatically accept all bookings - this is not always worth their time if the pick-up location is too far away. 'Some fares are so low you feel like you're underpaid,' he said, adding that he once only made S$12 from an hour-long trip. 'I might as well go outside and work,' he said. 'If you include rental and petrol, I only earn S$8.' Mr Tan, who has been driving full-time with Grab for the past two months, said many drivers are calling for better base fares, as incentives are often viewed as a form of "gamification" that pressures them to work harder. 'We are trading time for money, it is a tough balancing act trying to earn enough, trying to maintain my health, and time for friends and family,' Mr Tan told CNA. 'As a new driver, it is tempting to push for that 'one more fare', as it translates to money. But when fatigue sets in, it is dangerous for you and your passengers,' he added. However, this has not stopped Mr Tan from worrying about hitting his daily targets. 'For example, today I am S$80 short and tomorrow I am sending my daughter at 9am for a camp. I will need to think about how to make up those numbers and sometimes you simply can't.' 'Freedom of time for a PHV (private hire vehicle) owner is a fallacy. I am blessed to have my parents' vehicle to drive (but) it is tougher for those who rent,' he said.
Business Times
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Times
Grab to pause changes to driver incentive scheme following backlash
[SINGAPORE] Ride-hailing service Grab will pause planned changes to its driver incentive scheme, following a backlash about the impact on drivers' earnings and income stability. The pause is to ensure that drivers' concerns 'are fully addressed before rolling out further changes', Grab and the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) told The Business Times in a statement on Wednesday (June 25). On Monday, the NPHVA had urged Grab to delay its revised incentive structure, which aims to reward consistent drivers but has lower overall payouts for drivers who complete 300 to 499 trips, among other changes. The NPHVA had noted that drivers completing that range of trips make up a significant portion of full-time drivers, and will be the most affected by the reduction of incentives. 'NPHVA had shared feedback that some drivers rely on these incentives to supplement the basic fares and there were worries that the revised structure might make it harder for some to reach their target earnings,' the association and Grab said in the Wednesday statement. While Grab's intention was to reduce drivers' hours and help them reach earning goals more quickly, the company 'recognised that the planned changes could have been better implemented'. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Grab said that it remains committed to working with the NPHVA to address drivers' concerns. The NPHVA likewise said that it will continue to engage Grab on workers' interests. Incentives under the revised scheme, called Grab Monthly Bonus, would have been broadly reduced. Top-tier Diamond drivers would still have been able to earn up to 21 per cent in bonuses, by completing 651 rides instead of 701. But drivers in the 300 to 499 ride range would have seen lower payouts: 4 per cent (Level 1), 7 per cent (Level 2), and 10 per cent (Level 3). They would also get lower cash bonuses: no payout for Level 1, S$30 for Level 2, and S$50 for Level 3, compared to the current maximum of S$100.
AsiaOne
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- AsiaOne
National private-hire drivers' group calls on Grab to hold off change in bonus scheme, Singapore News
SINGAPORE — The National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) has asked ride-hailing platform Grab to delay the roll-out of changes to its incentive schemes slated for July 1 "for further deliberation". In an in-app message to drivers at 2pm on June 20, Grab announced that from July 1, Streak Zones would be available to all its partner drivers, along with revisions to the existing monthly bonus scheme. Streak Zones was previously trialled from May 2024. It allows drivers to pre-book two-hour time slots where they drive in high-demand areas, during which all their bookings are automatically accepted. These slots are mostly during peak periods. Drivers earn a cashback of five per cent on every completed trip. "Payouts are made the next day, improving cash flow for driver-partners," Grab told The Straits Times. However, NPHVA is concerned that the changes would result in reduced earnings of most full-time drivers, said Yeo Wan Ling, adviser to the association, in a Facebook post on June 23. Grab's monthly bonus scheme, previously called Grab Streak Bonus, has three levels, each with its own bonus structure. The more trips a driver completes in a month, the higher the percentage bonus on their earnings, with rates increasing across tiers and trip milestones. From July 1, the percentage bonuses will also be cut. For instance, the bonus for the 300th to 499th rides, which now starts at eight per cent for drivers in the lowest level, will be slashed to four per cent. Currently, those who clock at least 300 rides also earn a cash bonus of $30, $80 or $100, depending on their incentive level. But from July 1, drivers in the lowest incentive levels will not receive this cash bonus, while this is also cut for the next two tiers to $30 and $50 respectively. However, those in the highest level who complete 651 or more rides can still earn up to 21 per cent in bonuses, down from the 701 rides needed in the current scheme. Weekly bundle bonuses ranging from $25 to $68 will also be given to drivers who complete more Streak Zones. Yeo, who is also assistant secretary-general of National Trades Union Congress and an MP for Punggol GRC, said these changes make earnings less predictable. "The added complexity makes it harder for drivers to work out whether they'll be better off compared to the previous structure," she said. NPHVA reiterated its call for Grab to have "more meaningful consultation" with the association before making changes that affect driver earnings, Yeo added. She also said there is no assurance for drivers that there will be sufficient Streak Zones slots available for everyone. In response, Grab told ST that its decision to reallocate funds from its monthly bonus scheme to expand Streak Zones would ensure sufficient slots for those who wish to participate. Grab did not respond to ST's query on whether it will delay the launch of the new Streak Zones feature. The ride-hailing operator said this move will enhance drivers' earnings, while enabling the platform to better match driver supply to time periods and areas with higher unmet demand. It said that the change will better support part-time drivers who are on the road for a few hours each day, and reward full-time drivers for their commitment. Grab said the Streak Zones feature was co-created with its driver-partners through small-scale trials and focus group discussions. Improvements were made based on drivers' feedback, such as cutting Streak Zone slots from three to two hours, and shortening the required durations of staying online from 85 per cent to 70 per cent of the slot. In comments on Yeo's post, some drivers called for higher base fares and a more transparent pricing system, as well as to completely remove such incentive schemes. Grab has initiated a feedback session with its drivers on June 26 to discuss the change in its bonus scheme. [[nid:718772]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
