Uber’s Southeast Asian arch-rival GrabTaxi today wheeled out a carpooling option in Singapore. GrabHitch is available starting today within the popular transportation app.
“GrabHitch hits the sweet spot for people who want a door-to-door transport service but prefer not to pay a premium above public train or bus fares,” said Tan Hooi Ling, GrabTaxi’s co-founder, in a statement today. It’ll also allow the Malaysia-born, Singapore-based startup to challenge the lower prices on UberX, which is available in Singapore.
Car owners who take part in the carpooling program can make money by picking up carpoolers. For safety reasons, drivers must provide documentation including their driving license, motor vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. This can be used for regular commutes as well as on-the-spur rides, with GrabHitch accepting ride requests up to a week in advance – or as late as 15 minutes before you head out. Drivers can pick up multiple passengers on one ride.
An added modification to GrabHitch is its social aspect. Hooi Ling explained at a press event in Singapore this morning that GrabHitch will use location, local events, and Facebook data to determine common interests in hitchers. For example, if both driver and passenger happen to be going to the Justin Bieber concert, the app will inform both parties. This, the co-founder hopes, will add a social element to the carpooling experience beyond just getting a cheaper ride. She stated that the GrabHitch rate will be at least 50 percent cheaper than local taxi fares.
GrabTaxi has raised nearly US$2 billion in VC funding to aid its regional battle against Uber and a handful of other local rivals. Investors include Softbank.
The carpool system is the newest addition to the startup’s line-up, which now covers conventional cabs, the Uber-esque GrabCar, and GrabBike for motorbike taxis.
“In line with Singapore carpooling regulations, GrabHitch drivers will only be able to accept up to two rides a day, and the fares will only cover the driver’s variable costs, such as petrol and car depreciation,” explained the company in a statement.
Will this get you carpooling for your commutes? Share your thoughts below.
Editing by Malavika Velayanikal
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