Grab Philippines Prepares for Holiday Rush with 20,000 New Drivers

Grab Philippines Prepares for Holiday Rush with 20,000 New Drivers

Grab Philippines, the leading ride-hailing platform in the country, is gearing up for the upcoming holiday season with plans to expand its driver fleet. The company aims to add up to 20,000 drivers to meet the anticipated increase in passenger demand during this festive period. The initiative, as described by the company’s country head, Grace Vera Cruz, is a strategic collaboration with the government to accurately predict and cater to the expected surge in demand during the Christmas rush.

The proposed holiday fleet would be activated every fourth quarter of the year, a period that sees an influx of tourists in the country and locals returning home for the holidays. This strategy is intended to ensure that the platform can adequately serve its users during the busiest time of the year.

Currently, Grab has approximately 40,000 drivers providing transportation network vehicle services (TNVS) in Metro Manila. This figure is significantly lower than the pre-pandemic level of around 60,000. The company is in active discussions with the Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to strategize on meeting the surge in demand during the holiday season.

Expansion into Davao

In addition to its holiday strategy, Grab is set to launch its transport services in Davao in October. This move marks a significant step in its expansion strategy in Mindanao. For this launch, Grab has been allocated 250 slots. However, the company is seeking regulatory approval to increase this to 1,500. The expanded allocation would create more job opportunities for Davao residents, further contributing to the local economy.

Resilience Amid Challenges

Despite facing operational challenges and having to lay off around 1,000 workers across Southeast Asia, Grab remains committed to its pledge to generate 500,000 jobs in the Philippines. The company had to make these layoffs and cut operational costs to maintain its competitive edge in the crowded rideshare market. However, its proactive strategy for the holiday season and its expansion into Davao signify that Grab is not just surviving, but actively planning for growth in the post-pandemic landscape.