[UPDATE: 12:17 PM, 21 Jun 2024] Grab has provided a statement regarding the change in applicable hours for GrabCar Saver:
The recent adjustment reflects our commitment to balance our driver-partners’ productivity on our platform versus the demand from passengers at specific times throughout the day. In parallel to that, we have observed a significant demand for JustGrab rides by time-conscious passengers during that window.
As we continue to serve the needs of everyday Malaysians, we are conscious of both their experiences and those of our driver-partners on our platform. As such, we regularly review our services to optimise our driver-partners’ earnings while maintaining reliability of our services.Our end goal remains in being the most accessible on-demand platform for everyday services for every Malaysian while providing accessible earnings opportunities that are both flexible and sustainable.
[Original story: 1:57 PM, 19 Jun 2024]
Grab seems to have quietly updated one of its budget-friendly offerings with tighter restrictions. GrabCar Saver, which was introduced last December as a more affordable e-hailing option on its app, is now limited to an even a smaller time window than it already was.
When it was first introduced, GrabCar Saver was made available in select cities in Malaysia and offered up to a 20% off of ride bookings, but it was only available to users between the hours of 9AM to 4PM on weekdays. A new update on the app reveals that the hours have now been revised to 10AM until 1PM from Monday to Friday.
This means that the money-saving feature can now only be used for within a three-hour period, five days a week. Down from a seven-hour window, this will surely affect those who commute within these hours and undercuts the company’s recent affordability initiatives.
Hassan Alsagoff, Grab’s head of marketing, stated earlier this year: “Ultimately, our end goal remains the same – to be the most accessible on-demand platform for everyday services for every Malaysian. And ensuring we have affordable options and additional opportunities to save is just one of the needs we feel is vital to support Malaysians with.”
