Grab has announced a pilot programme that will see CCTV cameras installed in 100 cars. This precaution will first be fitted in vehicles with female drivers to ensure the safety of the drivers, but may also be expanded to deal with any disputes between the driver and passengers.
The first round of female drivers to test the programme were chosen based on their active performance and ratings from passengers. “To-date, we have not received any negative feedback from either drivers and passengers, in fact drivers laud the initiative as it makes them feel safer on the road, especially when they are driving for Grab,” said Jaygan Fu, Country Manager of Grab Malaysia.
The idea of putting cameras in cars for driver safety is not entirely new. Countries like America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand already install security cameras in taxis for the same purpose.
That being said, Grab adopting the measure for its own drivers is a positive sign. It shows at least some concern for the drivers and passengers, and will be useful ammunition in the ride-sharing fight to gain legitimacy with governments.
In addition to this, Grab has also announced a new personal accident insurance (PAI) policy that will cover all drivers and passengers. The policy covers trips taken in events such as accidental death, permanent dismemberment and bodily injuries in the case of a vehicular accident. The amount insured in Malaysia is up to RM64,000, and varies across the six other countries where Grab operates.
