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

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
  • ACMobility guarantees worry-free electrified mobility EV models, charging hubs
    ACMobility guarantees worry-free electrified mobility EV models, charging hubs
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 28, 2024
  • LTO announces DL renewal schedule, to commence after Holy Week
    LTO announces DL renewal schedule, to commence after Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Mar 28, 2024
  • GAC Motor PH to reveal Emkoo Hybrid
    GAC Motor PH to reveal Emkoo Hybrid
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 27, 2024
  • Toyota PH offers emergency roadside assistance for Lenten season anew
    Toyota PH offers emergency roadside assistance for Lenten season anew
    Paulo Papa . Mar 27, 2024
  • Honda Cars PH reactivates HEAT for Holy Week
    Honda Cars PH reactivates HEAT for Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Mar 27, 2024
  • Brembo: an ideal choice for discerning Filipino car owners
    Brembo: an ideal choice for discerning Filipino car owners
    Paulo Papa . Mar 26, 2024
  • Flyweight feud: Suzuki S-Presso AGS vs. Honda Brio V CVT
    Flyweight feud: Suzuki S-Presso AGS vs. Honda Brio V CVT
    Paulo Papa . Mar 20, 2024
  • Cabin check: What’s inside the BYD Atto 3
    Cabin check: What’s inside the BYD Atto 3
    Paulo Papa . Mar 19, 2024
  • Midsize SUV battle: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Ford Everest
    Midsize SUV battle: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Ford Everest
    Paulo Papa . Mar 14, 2024
  • Hyundai Santa Fe: 6 seductive colors
    Hyundai Santa Fe: 6 seductive colors
    Paulo Papa . Mar 12, 2024
  • Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Mar 08, 2024
  • Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Paulo Papa . Jan 03, 2024
  • PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    Paulo Papa . Dec 15, 2023
  • Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Hazel Nicole Carreon . Dec 15, 2023
  • Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Paulo Papa . Nov 14, 2023
  • First look: JMC Grand Avenue
    First look: JMC Grand Avenue
    Paulo Papa . Mar 27, 2024
  • Above average: Toyota Raize G
    Above average: Toyota Raize G
    Paulo Papa . Mar 22, 2024
  • BYD Atto 3: from the metro to the mountains
    BYD Atto 3: from the metro to the mountains
    Paulo Papa . Mar 18, 2024
  • Late bloomer: Hyundai Stargazer GLS Premium
    Late bloomer: Hyundai Stargazer GLS Premium
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 08, 2024
  • Adventure-ready: Subaru Crosstrek
    Adventure-ready: Subaru Crosstrek
    Paulo Papa . Mar 01, 2024