Grab PH, Move It pioneer behavioral approach to driver onboarding, training

MANILA: Grab Philippines and Move It have partnered with Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services to pioneer behavior-focused assessment for onboarding and training driver-partners.

In a joint statement, the partnership is aimed at developing a more holistic approach to the way the ride-hailing platforms work with drivers, aiming to introduce tools and policies that recognize behavioral and cognitive factors that influence driver performance.

“This marks a shift toward a more nuanced and data-driven standard for ride-hailing platforms – elevating current traditional assessment metrics and requirements like driving skills tests and police records,” the companies shared.

To ensure the program is backed with extensive research, Grab, Move It and the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services are using qualitative and quantitative methods that would include interviews, focus groups, and data analysis to identify patterns that influence road behavior and encourage a safety-first mentality among drivers.

The pilot implementation of policy and process changes from the results of the research is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.

Further, the two firms noted that the integration of psychological and behavioral principles into driver assessment, onboarding, and training is designed to enhance the evaluation and upskilling processes of ride-hailing platforms — setting new industry standards for safety, professionalism, and service excellence.

The first phase of the program, focused on data gathering and research, is currently underway across various locations in the following areas:

• Metro Manila
• Cebu
• Davao

“At Grab, we are guided by the principle of 'Kaizen,' which emphasizes continuous improvement. As safety and security are among our core commitments to users of our platform, we are constantly innovating and raising standards to deliver on these. Through our collaboration with the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services, we are elevating the standards on driver assessment and training to reinforce desirable driver behaviors and mindsets that align with Grab’s core values,” Grab Philippines Director for Mobility EJ Dela Vega said.

“We are confident that these enhancements will not only propel the long-term success of our driver-partners but also strengthen our shared commitment to safety,” the executive added.

For his part, Move It General Manager Wayne Jacinto highlighted the importance of continuously improving the standards within the motorcycle taxi community, especially as the country approaches the passage of the motorcycle taxi law.

“At Move It, we are committed to always enhancing safety standards on our platform in close collaboration with Grab. As the number of two-wheel drivers on the road grows — whether as private riders or part of the motorcycle taxi community — we remain steadfast in fostering a culture of respect, responsible riding, and safety on all of our roads, for every motorist. This initiative with the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services is a manifestation of this commitment.”

Lastly, Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services Director for Research Maria Lourdes Mesa expressed enthusiasm over the aforementioned endeavor.

“It is encouraging to see leaders in the ride-hailing industry take proactive steps to ensure that services provided to Filipino commuters prioritize safety. By integrating a behavior-focused approach into the assessment processes, we are proactively addressing the potential for drivers to act contrary to safety standards due to any existing psychological predispositions,” she said.

“We are proud to be pioneering partners with Grab and Move It in this historical milestone – adding a new layer to our safety and security measures for the fast-growing four- and two-wheel ride-hailing industries.”

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