Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing company, and Trans-cab, Singapore’s second largest taxi operator, yesterday (1 Sep) announced a partnership to bring all Trans-cab drivers onto the Grab platform. The partnership is Grab’s first with a taxi operator and will see approximately 7,000 Trans-cab drivers using the Grab mobile app exclusively to serve on-demand passenger bookings.

From 1 Sep both companies will begin onboarding Trans-cab drivers who are new to Grab, adding to Grab’s largest land fleet of drivers in Singapore. Trans-cab drivers will have immediate access to Grab’s passenger base and technology that enables the efficient matching of passengers and drivers. Similarly, Grab’s passengers will find it even easier to get a ride now through Grab’s expanded network of drivers.

Commenting on the partnership, Trans-cab’s Managing Director, Teo Kiang Ang said: “Over the years, we have been hearing positive feedback from our drivers who have benefited from the Grab platform. We want to continue to support our drivers to earn higher incomes and believe that Grab’s technology will bring more ride bookings to our drivers. We are confident that this partnership, along with our low rental rates, is a win-win situation and will attract more drivers to join our fleet.”

“This partnership with Trans-cab reinforces our commitment to outserve taxi drivers who form the bedrock of Singapore’s public transport network. As the leading ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia, we see value in collaborating with transport stakeholders. We believe such partnerships will help fleet partners scale up efficiently, connecting their drivers to a growing pool of passengers who use the Grab app daily as their preferred booking platform,” said Lim Kell Jay, Head of Grab Singapore. “At the same time, with Trans-cab on board, we are cementing our leadership position and offering local commuters access to the largest land fleet of drivers in Singapore.”

Grab’s data-driven approach has resulted in an increase in allocation rate – or matching of drivers to passengers – by 25 percent. This improvement in supply and demand matching has enabled drivers to be more efficient on the road and passengers to get the fastest bookings.

“I am glad that Trans-cab and Grab are partnering officially as it gives me confidence to join Grab. I am hopeful that I  can complete more jobs through Grab,” commented Chong Yew Wah, a Trans-cab driver who has just signed up on the Grab platform.

“I have been a loyal Grab user since the app started in Singapore and have experienced first-hand the benefits of Grab. Since I started driving with Grab, my income has increased by over 15 per cent and almost all of my rides are from Grab. It’s been an amazing experience so far and I have met many drivers through the Grab community,” said Jimmy Gan, an existing Trans-cab driver who has been on the Grab platform since end of 2013.

As part of the onboarding process, new Trans-cab Drivers will undergo trainings to help them familiarize with the Grab app, learn about Grab’s safety guidelines and expected code of conduct. To further facilitate the onboarding process, Grab will provide subsidized smartphones to drivers as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce operating costs for drivers.

Grab currently has the largest land transport network in Singapore and the widest range of transportation services including GrabTaxi, GrabCar and GrabHitch. The partnership comes as part of Grab’s continued commitment to serving its GrabTaxi drivers, following the recent opening of its first GrabTaxi Driver Support Centre in Jurong East this July and second driver support centre that is set to open in Bedok this September. The new Centres mirror Grab’s existing Driver Support Centre at Midview City, which will enable drivers to sign up with Grab and top up their mobile wallets. Support will also be available on-site to address any issues or enquiries.