the holiday season approaches, Grab Philippines is ramping up efforts to manage the surge in demand for both ride-hailing and delivery services. With historical data showing a significant spike in transactions during the last quarter, the leading superapp is focusing on boosting service reliability, accessibility, and safety without compromising affordability.
According to Grab Philippines Country Head Ronald Roda, the superapp is set to surpass last year’s holiday performance. “Our data and studies all lead to a singular insight: Filipinos just wish to be present this Christmas – fully engaged with families and friends. Grab aims to bring our kababayans much closer to their loved ones and help them create special moments this holiday season,” said Roda.
Grab’s Holiday Trends study indicates that Filipinos attend an average of four gatherings during Christmas and New Year. To ensure a smooth and reliable experience for users, Grab has been preparing for the holiday season since January, working closely with regulators to balance supply and demand and introducing new technologies aimed at enhancing the user experience.
Strengthening Partnerships and Managing Holiday Traffic
As the demand during peak times is expected to outstrip supply, Grab has taken proactive steps to improve service reliability. The release of new Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) slots in August, in partnership with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), has allowed Grab to onboard new driver-partners. However, the onboarding process can take three to five months, meaning full results may come later.
Another challenge Grab is addressing is the holiday traffic congestion, which has historically increased trip times by 14% in December. Roda emphasized the importance of fair fare structures to ensure driver-partners continue to earn sustainably despite traffic slowdowns. “The holidays are crucial for our driver-partners, and we are committed to helping them capitalize on the increased demand,” Roda noted.
Enhancing Affordability and Service Features
Grab has implemented various measures to maintain accessibility and affordability for passengers. The expansion of the GrabUnlimited subscription service offers a daily 8% discount on GrabCar rides, while GrabCar Saver provides a more affordable alternative to standard rides. Additionally, the Group Rides feature allows groups of up to four to share a ride’s base fare, maximizing fleet utilization and reducing individual costs.
To improve user experience during the holiday rush, Grab has launched several new technologies. The Advance Bookingfeature guarantees timely airport rides, which can be scheduled up to seven days in advance, ideal for holiday travelers. For food deliveries, GrabFood Group Order allows families and friends to collectively place meal orders, with discounts increasing as the number of participants grows. GrabFood Saver helps users cut delivery fees, while the Large Orders option caters to group celebrations with special deals.
“Many of our kababayans are looking forward to spending the Holidays with their loved ones, and we are aware of their expectations of us during this season,” Roda said. “With that, we have devoted our time, effort, and expertise to elevate their Grab experience, allowing every Filipino to be more present this yuletide season.”
By introducing these new features and working to balance demand with available driver-partners, Grab Philippines aims to provide a reliable, accessible, and affordable service that caters to the growing needs of Filipino consumers during the busiest time of the year.
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