Grab enhances in-app safety features, rolls-out new services

Ride-hailing platform Grab Philippines has launched additional safety features within its app through the Safety Center, an access point that allows passengers to share their ride details, report safety issues, seek emergency assistance and review safety information.

According to Grab, the centralized access point is an enhancement of the current safety button available in the Grab app.

Passengers who will be reporting safety issues via the access point will receive a 30-minute digital response and a two- to six-hour resolution period, Grab said. The feature also connects the passengers directly to a security company or the police for immediate action.

“Safety has always been core of who we are and what we do, and we will continue to increase our investments and focus on this area to ensure that each Grab experience is safe and secure,” Grab Philippines president Brian Cu said.

Cu said that the Grab app also has an emergency feature for drivers which connects the drivers to Grab.

Meanwhile, Grab on Thursday also launched new partnerships with players in the transport, logistics and lifestyle services industry that it plans to progressively roll out until the end of the year.

The company teamed up with Ninja Van, hairdressing brand Toni&Guy and global beauty company L’Oreal, as well as video-streaming service provider HOOQ and hotel booking services provider Agoda for the roll-out of additional services Bus Marketplace, GrabExpress Nationwide Delivery, GrabSalon, GrabGifts, Videos and Hotels.

The Bus Marketplace service enables users to book tickets to point-to-point buses in Luzon. Cu said the company is testing out the service in Luzon before and has recently inked an agreement with Victory Liner to offer more of the service.

On the other hand, the partnership with logistics provider Ninja Van will allow Grab to better meet the cargo delivery demand for areas outside of Metro Manila. Ninja Van covers 95 percent of the country’s population with over 9,000 riders. The service is especially targeted to small and medium enterprises, said Grab.