Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
Grab Philippines has reiterated its dedication to maintaining accessible ride-hailing and food delivery services throughout the holiday season. The company is leveraging strategic partnerships and innovative solutions like Grab Group Rides to address the surge in demand and mitigate supply challenges.
Addressing Traffic Congestion and Demand Surge
Recent data reveals that traffic congestion during peak hours extends trip completion times by 20 to 25%, impacting the daily trip count of TNVS drivers. Coupled with an anticipated 36% increase in ride-hailing demand in the fourth quarter, these factors are exerting significant pressure on the availability of TNVS vehicles.
To alleviate these issues, Grab is collaborating with New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the private consortium managing Ninoy Aquino International Airport, to streamline passenger pick-up processes at major terminals—especially as airports continue to experience high demand from arriving travelers. Additionally, Grab is coordinating with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to ensure reliable service availability throughout the season.
Grab Philippines Managing Director Ronald Roda emphasized, “This holiday season presents challenges similar to previous years, driven by macroeconomic factors and increased traffic congestion. While there may be moments when securing a ride feels more difficult, we are committed to doing our utmost to improve our services. Since the start of the year, we’ve prepared extensively to ensure every Filipino can enjoy a seamless holiday celebration with our help.”
Enhancing Airport and On-Ground Transportation
A key element of Grab’s strategy is a strengthened partnership with NNIC. Year-to-date, ride demand at NAIA has surged over 30%, prompting Grab to deploy measures to manage airport foot traffic and reduce congestion.
During peak hours—specifically from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM—Grab will operate free shuttle services at NAIA Terminal 3, running on three critical holiday weekends: December 5-8, 12-16, and 19-22. These shuttles will transport passengers from NAIA to the One Ayala transport terminal, providing a reliable alternative when ride-hailing options are limited. This initiative aims to enhance passenger mobility by integrating airport transit with city mass transit options.
NNIC General Manager Angelito Alvarez expressed appreciation for Grab’s support: “Efficient airport operations are vital during the holiday rush. Grab’s shuttle service helps us provide more reliable transportation options, alleviating the difficulty in securing rides at our busiest times. Small efforts like these make a significant difference.”
Furthermore, Grab has upgraded its 24-hour concierge services at NAIA Terminal 3 to assist passengers with booking rides more efficiently. The platform also piloted “Sabay Sakay,” a carpooling initiative in partnership with DOTr, targeting routes such as Pasig-Makati and Pasig-BGC, to optimize seat utilization and provide affordable options for key business districts.
Maximizing Fleet Efficiency with Technology
To address vehicle supply constraints, Grab is emphasizing the use of its “Group Rides” feature. This innovative tool allows a host to share a booking link with up to three passengers, each inputting their pick-up or drop-off points. The app’s advanced routing algorithms then create the most efficient multi-stop journey, maximizing fleet productivity and serving more passengers with fewer vehicles.
In addition, Grab’s food delivery service is introducing “Party Platters“—bulk order deals that streamline large holiday feasts. The backend technology smartly distributes these orders across multiple delivery riders, ensuring timely and reliable service even during peak demand.
Supporting Drivers During the Busy Season
Grab remains committed to its driver-partners’ welfare. The platform has reinforced its driver training through refresher modules on Grab Academy, focusing on ride quality, passenger interactions, and safety standards. These initiatives aim to empower drivers to navigate the busy holiday period confidently while maintaining high service standards.