[Update: April 13, 4.40pm]
Grab has just released a statement in response to the interim measured outlined by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS).
Upon CCCS’ request, Grab have agreed to extend the Uber app to 7 May to allow for a “smoother transition time for riders and drivers”.
“The interim measures should not have the unintended effect of hampering competition and restricting businesses that have already been investing in the country over the years,” said Lim Kell Jay, Head of Grab Singapore.
“Grab notes the CCCS’ objective of giving drivers choice, and are fully supportive of extending our platform to all taxi drivers, including ComfortDelGro drivers who are still constrained from picking up JustGrab jobs.”
“We recognise CCCS’ commitment to preserving competition; all companies – no matter big or small, digital or traditional – are capable of innovation in a free market. We will work within the set constraints and continue to focus on building better products to compete, ensuring fairness for passengers and drivers.”
[Update: April 6, 5:50pm]
A Grab spokesperson has released a statement in regard to the news:
“Grab continues to engage closely with the CCCS. We’ve had productive discussions on our alternative proposals, which more appropriately address the CCCS’ objectives during this interim period, and which takes into account our role in Singapore’s vibrant point-to-point transport industry and how Grab serves commuters and drivers. Together with the CCCS and Uber, we’ve agreed that the Uber app will run for another week until 15 April, while the CCCS considers Grab’s proposal. We hope the CCCS will complete its review in an expeditious manner, so that we can continue competing with incumbent transport companies and with new entrants. We will continue working with the CCCS and other relevant agencies to ensure a pro-business and pro-innovation environment, so that Singapore consumers can benefit from new and improved services.
In the meantime, the Grab app operates as per normal. The extension also gives Uber drivers more time to sign up on alternative platforms. Grab has helped thousands of former Uber drivers sign up to the Grab platform and will continue to provide support to those who are interested, as well as to obtain their PDVL.”
–
Just a few hours back, we reported about Grab’s app being down for consumers and drivers for the second time in this week.
Many lamented about a future with only one app to rely on, given that the Uber app in Singapore was due to be rendered useless from 8 Apr (Sunday) onwards as Grab delivers the killing blow to the US ride-hailing giant’s hold in Southeast Asia.
However, a new development has just made it possible for Singapore consumers to hold onto their Uber apps for one more week.
According to the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS), the Uber app will be kept online until 15 Apr (Sunday) as it “reviews proposed alternative interim measures”.
CCCS shared that it received “written representations from Grab and Uber” on 4 Apr, after CCCS “issued proposed interim measures directions (IMD)” at the end of March.
The IMD was issued after CCCS investigated Grab’s acquisition of Uber, which it stated it wasn’t informed of.
Said CCCS, “The proposed IMD sought to preserve and/or restore competition and market conditions in relation to chauffeured personal point-to-point transport passenger and booking services in Singapore, while CCCS carries out its investigation.”
Grab had also made further submissions to CCCS today (6 Apr) following clarifications.