Grab Philippines is looking to increase the base fare by PHP 20 to offer partner drivers relief from the continuing rise in fuel prices.
“We had to do it (base fare hike proposal) not for us but because our drivers are asking for it. We did it for our drivers,” Ronald Roda, Grab Senior Director for Strategy and Operations said at Grab’s 10th-anniversary celebration last week in Pasay.
Roda also mentioned that the company is set to attend a hearing with the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on June 29.
The PHP 20, according to Roda, could mean an additional PHP 200 in the pockets of the drivers with an average of 10 rides daily. This used to be an average of up to 14 rides back when there were stricter lockdowns due to less traffic.
“That’s what we’re just asking now. It’s not a full price increase but something that is faster just to be able to help the community,” he added.
Moreover, he mentions that the hike could invite more drivers to Grab. Two-thirds of the 65,000 drivers quit in the past years among the reasons include “a lot” of cars repossessed during the pandemic.
LTFRB recently opened up 8,000 slots to help replenish the driver supply but Roda said that the slots were “currently being filled up very very slowly”. It didn’t help that the gas prices are going higher.
“They’re scared that gas prices are gonna go up, they’re not gonna make money. So buying a car is a big capital decision for a lot of people,” he explained.
Ram found his love and appreciation for writing in 2015 having started in the gaming and esports sphere for GG Network. He would then transition to focus more on the world of tech which has also began his journey into learning more about this world. That said though, he still has the mentality of "as long as it works" for his personal gadgets.
