Latest news with #driverpartners
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.
Malay Mail
11-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Grab logs double-digit April-May growth as rides and orders climb across SE Asia
KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — Grab Holdings Limited, South-east Asia's leading superapp operating across the deliveries, mobility and digital financial services sectors, reported solid growth in key operating metrics for April and May 2025, with gains in both mobility rides and on-demand gross merchandise value (GMV) despite macroeconomic uncertainties. In a statement, the company said on-demand GMV for the two-month period rose 19 per cent year-on-year, in line with its earlier guidance shared during its first quarter earnings. Growth in mobility rides continued to outpace overall GMV, increasing by 23 per cent from the same period in 2024, underscoring continued momentum in user acquisition and engagement. Deliveries GMV for the same period grew by 20 per cent year-on-year, with Grab attributing the performance to its focus on product innovation and affordability initiatives aimed at driving higher frequency and customer retention. Its Indonesian operations stood out, registering consistent sequential gains in both metrics during the period as the company executed on its focus of driving affordability and expansion in the country to benefit driver-partners, merchant-partners and customers. Grab plans to reveal additional performance details during its upcoming second quarter earnings call, which it will announce in due course. — Bernama
Khaleej Times
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Lalamove expands to UAE, connecting SMEs with driver partners for instant deliveries
Lalamove, the leading on-demand delivery platform, has officially launched operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a strategic entry into its 14th global market and a significant expansion within the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) region with full service coverage across Dubai and drop-offs in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. Founded in Hong Kong in 2013, Lalamove leverages innovative technology to connect users with driver partners and vehicles instantly. To celebrate the launch, Lalamove is offering users an exclusive 30 per cent discount on deliveries for all vehicle types selected. With small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contributing 40 per cent of the UAE's GDP, Lalamove recognises their vital role in driving growth, especially with the rise of e-commerce. By offering instant, reliable logistics solutions, Lalamove empowers businesses to scale efficiently. Features like multi-stop orders with real-time tracking simplify delivery routes, while a wide range of vehicle options, from cars to 1-ton and 3-ton pickup trucks, handle deliveries of all sizes, helping businesses reduce logistics costs and meet growing consumer demand. 'The UAE has long been a pivotal global trading and logistics hub, connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. The Lalamove team is thrilled to bring our proven model to the UAE, customised to meet the unique local needs. By leveraging our advanced technology, we aim to empower SMEs and create earning opportunities for driver partners. Our ability to adapt to local nuances enables us to implement tailored strategies for each market, delivering scalable, agile logistics solutions that drive growth for the local economy,' said Paul Loo, chief operating officer of Lalamove. Lalamove addresses a long-standing issue in the logistics sector by efficiently connecting driver partners with delivery opportunities across Dubai. Lalamove offers a flexible income stream for driver partners, who can enjoy greater discretion in arranging their personal work schedule. This streamlined and transparent approach ensures that driver partners can maximise their time and earnings while SMEs benefit from instant and affordable delivery services. Beyond connecting driver partners to extra earning opportunities, Lalamove is also committed to offering a diversity of perks for driver partners. This includes bonus earnings for completing missions, and opportunities to boost extra income through vehicle stickers. Additionally, driver partners can earn more through the Referral Programme, which offers unlimited bonuses for inviting others to join Lalamove.
