“New surge is hitting as high as $60” — Netizen concerned about rising Grab rates

An online user’s concern over an alleged drastic increase in Grab fares has sparked an online debate among netizens. The netizen contemplated whether the cause is the holiday season, inflation, or the company just trying to make more money.

While some shared the netizen’s concern over the new surge in prices and found the price hike to be almost enough incentive just to drive themselves… others cited factors such as the current cost of petrol, arguing that Grab is doing what any company would have to do.

“Is anyone feeling (like) Grab fees are now permanently at surge levels? I have been taking Grab and Gojek somewhat regularly and noticed (that) what used to (cost) S$20 for a cross-island ride now regularly hovers at $30 to $40…” an online user wrote.

“The new surge is hitting as high as $60,” the netizen began a thread in an online news forum, open to other users interested in joining the discussion. “I’m not sure whether (it’s) due to the holiday season–that may be why there are (fewer) drivers, more demand or inflation is hitting us now or Grab / Gojek is using this opportunity to increase their revenue… this new surge is (the) same on the weekends and weekdays.”

For a few netizens, the concerning rise in prices has made them seriously consider renting a car or getting one. However, in response to this option, a few others raised the current COE cost.

“I feel like this might finally be the incentive for me to learn driving, and rent (a) BlueSG,'” wrote one netizen, citing a carsharing service.

Some netizens said this was a show of greed, with one writing, “It was always going to be this way. Once they have us in their pocket, time for greed.” However, there were also those who argued that mobility companies have legitimate factors to consider when deciding on prices.

“For the people who are complaining do note these factors:” wrote another online user, “1. higher petrol fares…2. Grab takes 20% from whatever u pay the driver afaik…3. lesser drivers (cause of Covid)…4. higher demand due to relaxing covid restrictions…5. now grab also has to take care of the drivers, etc, which leads to more money loss from grab…they also need to pay everyone working in grab their salary which isn’t low, by the way…6. all the “discounts” you see here and there, where do u think the money to recoup these losses comes from?”