Grab drivers get fuel discounts

MANILA, Philippines —  Amid rising fuel prices, ride-hailing giant Grab Philippines is rolling out a set of interventions to protect its drivers and to keep the transport costs the same.

Grab yesterday announced that it is launching a fuel resilience package for its drivers and riders to provide financial support in the form of petroleum discounts.

Under the initiative, Grab drivers will get exclusive fuel discounts in partner gas stations.

Grab Philippines country head Ronald Roda said the company is in talks with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the distribution of fuel subsidies.

Grab is finding a way to have the financial support go straight to GrabPay for ease of transfer.

The DOTr is close to tapping a funding of P2.5 billion for the distribution of fuel subsidies. Ride-hailing drivers are included in the list of beneficiaries.

Grab’s long-term response to price fluctuations is to bring electric vehicles into its fleet to reduce its reliance on traditional fuel sources.

Roda said Grab sees the need to mix up its fleet, combining traditional and progressive solutions, to promote long-term stability in the transport industry.

The ride-hailing firm recently launched a new service named GrabTaxi Electric, the country’s first e-vehicle taxi accredited by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Grab teamed up with local operator EV Taxi Corp. in dispatching e-vehicle taxis in Makati, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, Pasig, Pasay and Taguig. It is working with e-vehicle makers to scale the service across the Philippines.