Grab to initially deploy 20K drivers as gov't eases NCR lockdown

While the government is set to implement general community quarantine rules in Metro Manila, transport mobile app Grab is readying to initially deploy 20,000 GrabCar drivers to serve the commuting public.

During a teleconference, Grab Head of Transport and Shared Services Ronald Roda said that the 20,000 GrabCar drivers have undergone training to adhere to their latest campaign, GrabProtect

Grab says it has not put safety in the backseat. Back in 2018, they launched the Safer Everyday Campaign.

"We start at 20,000 drivers and that will slowly increase," Roda said. "We have been prepping our driver by undergoing training."

Grab logo

 

However, Grab Philippines Head of Public Affairs Leo Gonzales said that the targeted initial volume of deployment will still depend on the special permits approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). 

Grab is set to resume trips starting June 1 following a temporary suspension due to the outbreak back in March. 

GrabProtect are a set of policies aimed to support the government’s health and safety regulations. 

These include an online health and hygiene checklist, a mask selfie verification tool, safety and hygiene certification, hygiene kits, mandatory deep disinfection of vehicles. 

Grab Philippines president Brian Cu said that the latest initiative from the transport app is being done in other countries. 

To support the regulations set by the government, individuals who are below 21 or older than 60 years of age, infected with the dreaded disease or are immuno-compromised (or has someone in the household who is) are highly encouraged to stay at home and not to use any public transportation. 

Brian Cu

Cu said that while they are deploying GrabCar drivers, payment methods are limited only to their GrabPay and Credit Card/Debit Card options. 

Aside from both driver-partners and passengers being required to wear face masks at all times, driver-partners are required to disinfect vehicles , especially every end of the trip. 

Each vehicle is required to have a non-permeable acetate divider installed between the passengers and the driver-partner. 

Divider Grab

To aid in an effective contact-tracing procedures when deemed necessary, passengers are not allowed to book for others. 

They are required to show their booking code to their respective driver-partner before entering their assigned vehicle, unless specific cases of emergencies are concerned.

Cu said during the interview that should the driver-partners contract COVID-19, they shall extend full financial assistance for medical expenses. 

"We signed Project ARK and have procured 5,000 test kits. We will deploy these test kits when needed," Cu answered. 

"For the passengers, our extent is to report to the authorities," he added. 

The “mask selfie verification feature” will help verify that drivers and delivery-partners are wearing a mask before they start receiving bookings and orders. 

In the statement, Grab said that they are encouraging drivers and delivery-partners to carry hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray with them at all times so that they can keep surfaces and hands clean after every booking. 

Grab also trains its driver-partners on the mandatory temperature check, existing government policies and public health safety standards, how to maintain sanitation and cleanliness in their vehicles, as well as implementing the contactless ride protocol. 

After completing the Safety and Hygiene Certification, drivers are given hygiene kits which are partially subsidized by Grab. 

Each hygiene kit will include a cloth face mask, surface disinfectant, and the non-permeable acetate barrier that they would need to install in their own vehicles.

Furthermore, Grab will also require deep-disinfection of all the vehicles every other day. This will be done in partnership with select sanitation hubs who have deep-disinfection capability. 

Once cleaned, driver-partners are required to allow for the chemicals to dissipate prior to the boarding of any passenger. This layer of sanitation will ensure that all vehicles are safe and hygienic for public use.

Photos from Grab Philippines, Brian Cu's Facebook Page

Also read:

Grab PH Reactivates GrabBayanihan Amid ECQ

Grab Can Now Shop for You this ECQ

DTI to Offer Loans for Grab Driver-Partners Amid ECQ—Report

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Ford PH: no price increase for Ranger as of Jul. 2025
    Ford PH: no price increase for Ranger as of Jul. 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 04, 2025
  • MG Motor PH to launch D90 early next year
    MG Motor PH to launch D90 early next year
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 04, 2025
  • BYD Cars PH launches limited-run Seagull in Seashell Pink hue
    BYD Cars PH launches limited-run Seagull in Seashell Pink hue
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 04, 2025
  • Mazda PH launches driver development program
    Mazda PH launches driver development program
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Honda Cars PH extends ‘Style Up & Drive Promo’ with special deals for City, City Hatchback, BR-V
    Honda Cars PH extends ‘Style Up & Drive Promo’ with special deals for City, City Hatchback, BR-V
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • 3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 03, 2025
  • Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 02, 2025
  • Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
    Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 02, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025
  • ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 05, 2025
  • Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
    Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
    Cesar Miguel . May 21, 2025