Grab today has announced a new incentive in order to build up the number of driver-partners for its e-hailing service, which it previously revealed is still below what it was before the pandemic. The superapp giant hopes that this will attract potential drivers to sign up, which will greatly aid it to meet the public’s demand for transport.
The newly introduced sign-up bonus, which runs from 1 June to 31 July 2022, will reward up to RM1,000 to new driver-partners. However, it’s worth noting that they must first fulfil a minimum number of trips in order to be eligible to receive this bonus. Grab did not specify as to how many exactly that is required.
“As of mid-May this year, the number of driver-partners on our platform is still less than 70% of what it was pre-pandemic,” said Grab Malaysia director of country operations and mobility Rashid Shukor. “We hope that the sign-up bonus will encourage new driver-partners to come on board as quickly as possible to benefit from the additional earnings that are available to them.”
Rashid also points out the reasons for its slow catch up during post-pandemic are the long and costly processes imposed on drivers before they are allowed to enter its e-hailing service. As part of the regulatory requirements to obtain a PSV licence, potential partners must attend six hours of training, pass exams and vehicle inspections, purchase insurance, as well as collate and submit documents to various government agencies for processing.
On top of that, Grab notes that these will also require a financial investment amounting to more than RM500 by each new driver-partner in order to come on board. In light of this, the company says it is extending its existing reimbursement of up to 100% of total regulatory compliance cost as means to help minimise their cost burden. Meanwhile, existing driver-partners can benefit from a referral bonus programme if they help sign up new drivers to its platform.
Those interested to apply as a driver-partner for the e-hailing service may do so by visiting Grab Malaysia’s official website via this link. Further information regarding the sign-up bonus and other benefits can also be found in the same web page.
(Source: Grab Malaysia press release)
