Grab Malaysia is currently testing a new feature called Fare Bidding, where passengers will be allowed to negotiate the price of their rides with drivers. This was first highlighted in GrabAcademy, an in-app learning section within the Grab driver partners’ app.

According to screenshots shared on social media platforms, it was indicated that the new feature is “optional” for both passengers and drivers, and they must switch on the feature if they wish to participate in a bid. Meanwhile, fixed fares via JustGrab and GrabCar will both still be available.

The screenshots also revealed that the fare bidding process should be initiated by the passenger, with them forwarding a ride request and suggesting a fare that they are willing to pay for the requested ride. Participating drivers then have 15 seconds to accept or make a counter offer; a pre-set counter offer amount will be shown in the app for the drivers’ convenience.

Following that, the passenger can then choose their preferred driver, and the selected driver will be notified within 15 to 20 seconds of the passenger’s decision.

Grab has confirmed that the new feature is indeed being trialled in selected areas at present. “We’re currently conducting a small-scale experiment to test the feature in selected towns in Malaysia,” it said to a news portal, although it did not reveal any other details, such as which selected towns and whether there is a minimum fare for passengers to start the bid.

The tech giant did, however, say that the Fare Bidding feature is expected to create a “more transparent and flexible pricing system”, with passengers and drivers coming to a mutual agreement on the fare. Notably, the new feature is similar to the mechanics adopted by ride-hailing service inDrive, where passengers are also able to negotiate their own ride fares.

(Source: The Star)

• TAGS:
• Grab
• Grab Fare Bidding
• Grab Ride
• GrabAcademy
• GrabCar
• inDrive
• JustGrab