Grab to operate in Tacloban soon

TACLOBAN CITY, March 15  -- Grab Philippines is looking to open its application-based transport system in this city to improve the region’s transport service.

Grab Philippines spokesperson Leo Gonzales said they are processing all requirements and negotiations with existing taxi operators and car owners for the entry of Grab in the regional capital of Eastern Visayas.

“We know that Tacloban is a hub of the region with lots of opportunities here having a day-time population of close to one million. It’s important to bring technology here because if we bring technology, we bring innovation and we bring progress to this city,” Gonzales said in press briefing here Thursday.
Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board Eastern Visayas regional office spokesperson Mel Llorono said Grab’s entry in the city would eliminate overcharging by rent-a-car operators in the region.

“This is a solution to the operation of unregistered transport vehicles and professionalize transport service in our region,” Llorono said.

Grab is eyeing to start its Tacloban operation within few months as part of its nationwide expansion. Currently, Grab is present in Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, and Pampanga.

In its initial operation, the company will tap about 100 private cars to use the system and will partner with 50 existing taxi units in the city.

The mobile app allows people to virtually hail a cab with just a few taps on their smartphone. Available for free for Android, iOS and Windows phone users, Grab connects the passengers and the drivers to allow seamless commuting experience.

The passengers just have to type in their place of origin and their destination, and wait for the app to assign a cab for them.

When there is already an assigned cab, the passengers will know the location, plate number, estimated time of arrival of the cab, as well as the name and contact number of the driver. These features would allow the passengers to contact the driver for the specifics of the transaction.

Grab is a Singapore-based technology company that offers ride-hailing and logistics services through its app in Singapore and neighbouring Southeast Asian nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. (SQM/PNA)