We reported earlier today about Uber’s exit from Southeast Asian market and the merger of its business with Grab. Now, both companies have emailed its customers about the news and what it means for you.
Uber has announced that they will be around until April 8 to help transition its business over to Grab’s platform. And while you won’t be able to use the Uber app after the said date, it still can be used in Uber’s other markets. For first time, Grab users, Uber says you can apply the promo code GRAB4W for your first ride.
Now, Grab has released a more substantial announcement to help us understand how the merger will affect both riders and drivers. We’ll be listing down the FAQ the ride-sharing service put up on its site below for easy perusal.
PASSENGERS
What does this deal mean for passengers?
In the immediate term, nothing will change and operations will continue as normal. As we work together to combine the Uber and Grab platforms, you can expect better service with more drivers and transport options available on one app.
Will I still be able to use the Uber app?
The Uber service will be available in Southeast Asia for two more weeks until 8 April 2018, as we onboard Uber drivers to the Grab platform. Uber riders can immediately download and use the Grab app to book rides for your travelling needs in Southeast Asia.
How do I start to use the Grab app?
Just download the Grab app from Google Play or App Store, register your account with us and that’s it! You can start riding with Grab today. For passengers new to Grab, welcome! There are in-app tips on how to use the Grab app for ride bookings, GrabPay, GrabRewards, and more.
What’s the difference between the Grab and Uber apps?
The most important thing is the same—you can book your daily rides easily, on-demand and choose the transport service you prefer, whether car or taxi. You also get more out of Grab. With Grab Express, you can get your parcels delivered on-demand, with real-time tracking.
With GrabRewards, you can also enjoy more value with your rides. Ride, earn points, and redeem them instantly for benefits such as vouchers for mobile load, food, shopping discounts, and more. Or if you prefer, you can also redeem your GrabRewards points for discounts off your next ride.
Grab also has GrabPay. It’s easy to top-up. Use it to go cashless when you pay for rides, and you can use GrabPay to transfer credits easily to your friends and loved ones.
Will fares change?
No. For services that are on dynamic fares, such as GrabCar or GrabShare, fares will continue to be calculated based on a base distance, with a dynamic surcharge that will be applied based on factors including demand and supply in that particular point in time, traffic conditions, and estimated time taken for the journey. This is a fair calculation for drivers as they navigate varying road conditions throughout the day. This means fares are lower in low demand periods—and vice versa—which helps match drivers to passengers efficiently throughout the day.
Passengers who choose the taxi options will continue to pay by metered fares that are set by the taxi companies.
Grab has always focused on both our drivers’ and passengers’ needs, and we’re unwavering in our mission to provide a variety of safe and affordable transport services for customers in Southeast Asia. Passengers should always have a choice of taking the transport service that best suits them, whether in speed, cost, or comfort.
Will I be able to get a ride faster?
We’re working hard to onboard Uber drivers onto the Grab platform. We appreciate your patience during this transition timeframe if there may be any service disruptions. In the following weeks, you’ll be able to enjoy a faster booking experience as we welcome more drivers to the Grab platform.
What happens to my account information in the Uber app?
Your information will not be shared with Grab. If you are new to Grab, we will still need you to register your account with us to start riding.
I am an Uber for Business customer. How will this change affect me?
Uber for Business services for employees of local and global companies will not be supported for trips taken in Southeast Asia after the transition. Uber rides outside of Southeast Asia will still be supported through existing Uber for Business agreements. If you or your employer is interested in a business account, visit grab.com/ph/business or e-mail grabforbusiness@grab.com.
DRIVERS
What does this mean for both Grab and Uber drivers?
Uber’s operations will become part of Grab in Southeast Asia. We’re bringing together the best of both our services into the Grab app. As drivers, this means you will enjoy the benefits of a larger Grab network, with a larger pool of passengers. For example, more bookings, better matching of passengers and drivers, and greater earning potential.
In the immediate term, nothing changes. Both Grab and Uber drivers can drive as you normally do. The Uber app will continue to run for two weeks until 8 April 2018, so that Uber drivers can continue to drive while we work to onboard everybody onto the Grab platform. Uber drivers will need to register to drive with Grab after the Uber service closes.
Please be patient if we take a bit more time to answer any questions you may have during this transition period. Your livelihoods matter to us, and we have people working throughout the day to make the transition as seamless as possible.
Will Uber drivers be joining the Grab platform?
The Uber service will be merged with Grab and Uber drivers can decide whether to sign up to drive with Grab. We welcome Uber drivers to join the Grab family!
For Grab Drivers
What does this mean for me, as a Grab driver?
You can continue driving as per normal. As we onboard Uber passengers and drivers onto the Grab platform, which will mean more jobs, less waiting time, and, ultimately, more earnings for you.
We will continue to work hard to provide better support, benefits, and driver tools for you. Thank you for being our partners and for being part of the Grab family.
Will there be any change to driver incentives?
The benefits and incentives structure remains the same.
Will more drivers joining Grab affect my earnings?
No. As we onboard Uber passengers and drivers onto the Grab platform, there will be more passengers using Grab, which will mean more jobs, less waiting time, and, ultimately, more earnings for you.
Will there be any difference for private hire car drivers and taxi drivers?
No. The Grab platform is growing and this benefits all our drivers. Our services remain the same—both private hire car and taxi drivers are welcome to use Grab to get bookings. Taxi drivers also have the option to choose the “standard taxi” service on the Grab platform to accept metered fares, and also accept street hails as they choose.
For Uber Drivers
Will I still be able to use the Uber Partner app? For how long?
The Uber Partner app will continue to be operational in SEA for two weeks, following which it will be discontinued. We recommend drivers who wish to join the Grab platform to sign up with us at your earliest convenience. For sign-up information, please see “Ready to sign-up?” section below.
Do I have to sign up to be a Grab driver or will my account information be automatically transferred over from Uber?
Your Uber account information will be transferred to Grab upon your consent. You will be informed on how to sign up as a Grab driver to drive with us. For more information, please see the “Ready to sign-up?” section below.
How do I sign up as a Grab driver?
Thank you for wanting to join the Grab family! If you’re a new driver to the Grab platform, you can sign up to be a Grab driver by following the instructions in the “Ready to sign-up?” section below. Please do so before Uber stops its services on 8 April 2018 to ensure you can continue to drive. Uber drivers who also have existing Grab accounts can simply continue to drive using the Grab Driver app.
Why should I sign up with Grab?
We work hard to provide better support, benefits and driver tools for you. Increasing incomes for our drivers is important, and all incentive communications are broadcasted weekly on the Grab Driver app. We also believe in building a community where we look out for each other and celebrate milestones together. Join the Grab family today!
When will I be able to start driving after signing up with Grab?
It usually takes two working days to process new driver registrations. We may take a longer time to process your registration as we expect large number of new drivers registering with us in these few weeks and we will need to validate all applications with the LTFRB audited masterlist of Uber drivers. We have Grab folks working overtime to onboard all new drivers, and humbly ask for your patience during this transition timeframe.
What if I was previously on the Grab platform, but have since stopped using the app. Can I still drive with Grab?
You can continue to drive using the Grab Driver app as long as (1) you still have a valid driver account with us and (2) the vehicle you are driving is part of the LTFRB audited masterlist of TNVS vehicles. However if you have been suspended or removed from the Grab platform for previously breaking the Grab code of conduct, we regret that you will not be able to re-register to drive with Grab. Safety and security of the Grab platform is a priority for us.
Will I get paid for the rides I’ve completed on the Uber app, and what happens to my Uber incentives?
Uber will pay you for the fares and corresponding incentives from the rides you picked up using the Uber Partner app. You can contact Uber support within the ‘Help’ section of your Uber app or on help.uber.com.
I have outstanding support requests with Uber. Is Grab taking over to help me with my questions?
Uber will continue to serve and resolve all existing requests in this transition period. You can contact Uber support within the ‘Help’ section of your Uber app or on help.uber.com.
For questions related to Grab, such as how to sign up to drive with us, you can get more information in the “Ready to sign-up?” section below.
Will all my past history and ratings from Uber be preserved on Grab app?
Your Uber account information will be transferred to Grab upon your consent. You will still be able to log into your Uber driver app or go to uber.com to view your full transaction history at any time.
How do I learn how to use the Grab Driver app?
Once you’ve signed up as a Grab driver, we will provide training on how to use the Grab Driver app as part of the onboarding process. This training is prepared to help you learn how to be a successful Grab driver.
Ready to sign up
How do I sign up as a Grab driver?
You will need to submit your documents for registration and undergo training on or before 8 April 2018. Begin the sign-up process here.
You may also look for the Driver Center closest to you for assistance. Metro Manila 1: MEGATENT, 100 Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Ave, Quezon City. March 26-29 and April 2-7, 2018, 9AM – 6PM. Metro Manila 2: GRAB-WILCON IT HUB, 12F Wilcon IT Hub 2251 Chino Roces Ave. Makati City, March 30-31, April 1 & 8, 2018, 9AM – 6PM. Metro Cebu: GRAB, 2F, Maxwell Hotel Annex Building, N. Escario St. Brgy. Camputhaw, Cebu City, Mon-Sat 9AM-6PM
What do I need to bring?
You will need to bring the following documents: (1) Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR / CR), (2) If available, submit any of the following — LTFRB TNVS Application “stamped receiving copy w/ case number/PA or CPC, (3) Professional Driver’s License, (4) Screenshot of or actual Uber driver app. All documents must be valid twenty one (21) days before their expiry date.
It is recommended that you submit your documents for verification here for faster processing. To see more details on the sign-up requirements and process, click here.
What is Grab’s incentive system like?
All incentive communications will be broadcasted weekly to your driver app. For additional information for other driver benefits, please visit grab.com/ph/driverperks/.
What if I cannot go down to the Driver Center?
The Uber app will continue to operate until 8 April 2018 after which you will no longer be able to receive jobs in the Uber Driver app.
What additional information do I need to know?
To ensure you are able to cash out your earnings on the Grab platform, we will provide you with an e-money account as part of the onboarding process.
