Ride-hailing giant Grab has expanded its transport services with the launch of ‘Hire’ in Singapore.
From 25 September, Grab users can book a personal driver by the hour via the app.
They can choose from a range of packages that suit their needs, depending on the type of vehicle and booking hours.
For instance, a four-seater GrabCar Premium cost S$60/hour, or $200 for 4 hours (breaks down to only S$50/hour).
Meanwhile, a 13-seater GrabCoach costs S$220 for 4 hours. Do take note that 4-hour packages are only available for booking from 6am to 8pm daily.
These fares are fixed, and are inclusive of fuel, parking and ERP charges.
However, please note that additional charges (if any) like valet parking fee, location surcharge (e.g. Sentosa island admission fee) and midnight surcharge will be applicable. These charges will be added at the end of your booking.
Midnight surcharge for 4-seater and 6-seater GrabCar Premium, as well as 9-seater and 13-seater GrabCoach rides is charged at S$10 per trip for bookings from 12am to 6am daily.
No Delivery, Shuttling, Moving Services Allowed
At the start of the booking, users are encouraged to discuss their route with the Grab driver first and set a realistic number of stops and distance that can be covered.
Please note that Grab drivers are not allowed to perform any form of delivery, shuttling or moving services and have the right to cancel bookings with such requests.
They are also not responsible for any bags, luggage, or the caretaking of any children or elderly persons.
Their sole responsibility is to simply get the passenger(s) around Singapore safely.
That said, this service could be great for tourists who would like to explore the city with convenience (they don’t have to drag their luggages around and can escape the heat with air-conditioning).
Additionally, users can take advantage of this feature when going for house visits during Hari Raya (though this will mean you cannot stay long at each house).
Besides these, I can’t think of any great reasons why someone would book Grab’s ‘Hire’ feature. Do you think it will see a demand in Singapore?
Featured Image Credit: Ore Huiying via Bloomberg / Grab