IT'S now that time of year when people spend more time on the road with holiday shopping and festivities in their minds. With parking becoming scarce, it's often smarter to leave the car behind and book a ride online. Or, for your shopping needs, consider ordering online and having it delivered right to your doorstep. So, in a recent press briefing, Grab Philippines shared that it is prepared for the expected surge in ride bookings during the coming holiday season.According to Grab Philippines, user numbers typically increased by at least 19 percent in the last quarter of previous years. Meanwhile, ride bookings have spiked by up to 45 percent during the second and third weeks of December. For its delivery business, demand grows by around 20 percent during the holidays. Supporting this data, an internal survey revealed that 44 percent of Grab Philippines users rely on the app for festive meal deliveries.'Our data and studies all lead to a singular insight: Filipinos just wish to be present this Christmas — fully engaged with family and friends as they celebrate the most beloved holiday. Grab aims to bring our kababayans closer to their loved ones and help them create special moments this holiday season,' said Grab Philippines Country Head Ronald Roda.He also shared that Grab Philippines has been preparing all year for the anticipated increase in demand during the holidays. The company's model requires it to serve not only its app users but also its driver and rider-partners. Although peak times may sometimes exceed supply, Grab remains optimistic that its service reliability has improved.In August, Grab announced that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) released new slots of transport network vehicle services, allowing more drivers to get onboard. This development is expected to enhance Grab's services during the peak of the holiday season.Furthermore, Grab assured the public and its partners that fares will remain fair, in compliance with LTFRB's regulatory fare matrix. As a treat for its patrons, Grab has expanded its GrabUnlimited subscription service, which now offers an 8-percent discount on GrabCar rides every day. It has also launched GrabCar Saver, a more affordable option than its standard ride service. In addition, the app offers carpooling options, which effectively reduce fares. Grab has emphasized that the fare discounts are subsidized by the company and are not passed on to drivers or riders.Aside from its existing offerings, Grab has introduced new features specifically for users to enjoy this holiday season. The new Advance Booking feature allows users to book on-time rides up to seven days in advance. The GrabFood Group Order features facilitates group meal orders with discounts of up to 15 percent as the number of participants increases. Other features include GrabFood Saver, helping users save on delivery fees, and Large Orders, allowing for bulk food and essential orders with special deals — ideal for group celebrations.
