GrabTaxi, one of the largest taxi booking mobile app in Southeast Asia, has just launched its latest complementary service, GrabCar in Singapore. GrabCar offers an on-demand private driver in a premium car that users can book through the existing GrabTaxi mobile app.
GrabCar aims to provide an even better on-demand commuting experience to those who want the convenience of a private driver without the hassle of owning a vehicle. Apart from enhancing your commuting experience, GrabCar also provides a viable solution to passengers during peak periods every day. This new service provides the same safety standard and convenience that is similar with GrabTaxi.
GrabCar was first introduced in Malaysia in May. In less than two months, the service is now launched in Singapore.
When GrabCar was first introduced, Founder and Group CEO Anthony Tan said, “What has ensured GrabTaxi’s success regionally has been the ability to adapt and evolve to meet our user’s needs. That’s why we are introducing GrabCar. We see an opportunity to fill a gap in the industry without taking away business from our core user base of taxis. GrabCar will give our passengers that upmarket, personalised experience, while at the same time, ensuring safe and reliable rides.”
Tan added, “GrabCar is essentially a complementary service provided by GrabTaxi. We found that there are times throughout the day when it is almost impossible for our customers to get taxis. Unfortunately, in this region, there is a ceiling on the number of taxi permits issued. GrabCar provides more cars on the road when people really need them, especially during peak hours. The inclusion of GrabCar as part of the MyTeksi service offers our customers access to a wider network of taxis, as well as limousine fleets.”
To make a booking, passengers select “GrabCar” as their “car type” in the GrabTaxi app. Passengers will know the exact fare of their journey prior to confirming their GrabCar booking and payment is in cash. Fares are calculated regardless of distance. A 4-seater, for example, will cost a S$50 fixed fee. If the distance is under four kilometres, the fare will cost a fixed S$38 in Singapore.
Luxurious cars on GrabCar come in three different sizes: 4-seaters (Mercedes Benz, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagon Passat), 6-seaters (Toyota Vellfire, Toyota Viano, Toyota Alphard and Mercedes Vito), and 13-seaters (Toyota Hiace).
GrabCar is very similar to Uber, the on demand limousine app we covered extensively on Vulcan Post. Uber also allows you to flag down drivers to your pick up location, and promises a luxury ride for you. It also has a more affordable version which is called the UberX. With the launch of GrabCar, it is not only competing against Uber for passengers, but is also battling for drivers in the same way as Uber – by approaching livery car owners and persuading them to sign up.