With the circuit breaker officially over, Singapore is gradually reopening and Grab is anticipating that more commuters will be booking rides again.
The ride-hailing company announced its new suite of safety measures called GrabProtect on 2 June, to lower the risk of infection between passengers and drivers.
The new features will be progressively rolled out from end-June.
Before booking a ride, Grab users will first have to complete a declaration form in the app, confirming that they do not exhibit any Covid-19 symptoms and are practicing the necessary hygiene measures.
Drivers and delivery-partners have already been required to submit daily health declarations since the start of the outbreak, said the firm.
They will also need to show proof that they are wearing a mask by taking a selfie at the end of the form.
In line with safe distancing rules, riders will not be allowed to sit in the front seat beside their Grab driver.
This essentially means that a four-seater car will only be able to take up to three passengers.
Grab is also adding two new reasons for cancellation to the app, and no penalties will be given if they are selected.
If either party shows up without a mask, passengers and driver-partners can cancel the booking by selecting “driver/passenger did not wear a mask” as their cancellation reason.
Similarly, both driver-partners and passengers can also cancel rides if either party appears to be unwell by selecting “driver/passenger is unwell” as the cancellation reason.
Grab
Through the in-app ratings, riders and drivers can flag an issue if the other party did not practice good personal hygiene or safe distancing.
Drivers and passengers who are reported for these reasons may have their accounts suspended.
In addition to these new safety procedures, Grab is also exploring partnerships with manufacturers and suppliers to provide hygiene products that drivers and delivery-partners can purchase at discounted rates.
It has so far provided “about 100,000 face masks and sanitisers” to its partners.
Featured Image Credit: Grab
