The services of e-hailing company Grab are as convenient as they are pricey – and if you use their services multiple times a week, the fares can end up burning a hole in your wallet. However, there may soon be an option for Grab passengers to have more say in how much they pay.
Recently, Grab drivers have been sharing what looks to be screenshots of a new feature from the e-hailing giant. According to the screenshots, the new feature will be called Fare Bidding and is similar to the system implemented by InDrive, allowing users to negotiate on a fare instead of choosing the usual fixed fare provided by Grab. The new feature aims to create a transparent and flexible pricing system by allowing passengers and drivers to have a mutually agreed upon fare.
Fare Bidding will be an optional feature that drivers can participate in by switching an on-off toggle. However, they will still receive the regular fixed-fare ride requests, even while the feature is in place. As shown in the screenshots, the feature will first appear on the passenger’s side, where they will get to propose their ideal fare. Drivers can then accept the fare or counter it with a higher amount within 15 seconds.
In response to enquiries about this new feature, Grab said, “We’re currently conducting a small-scale experiment to test the feature in selected towns in Malaysia.” However, the company did not specify which towns will participate in the experiment. Grab also did not confirm other details, like when it will be available for passengers or if a minimum bid is required.
Netizens have also reacted to the proposed feature, mostly pointing out its similarity to inDrive’s system. Some also said the feature might be great to drive fare prices down, but others lament that the feature will result in longer waiting times. What do you think about this new feature? Would you prefer to bid on your fare or stick to the current system?
Sources: Lowyat.net
