The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper
Grabcar: Transforming Lives in Davao with Easier, Faster, and Safer Rides
DAVAO CITY - In a resplendent debut, Grab Philippines recently brought its revolutionary Grabcar service to the bustling heart of Davao, Dusitd2 Davao. The launch marked a new chapter in the city’s transportation landscape and lit a beacon of hope for countless individuals, including passengers and drivers alike. Here's a closer look at how Grabcar is changing lives in Davao, through the words of those who have experienced its transformative impact.
Behind the wheel, Kuya Elmer, a newly registered Grabcar driver, radiated optimism. He expressed his enthusiasm for the service, saying, “Game-changer jud ning Grabcar sa Davao. Daghan jud mi pasahero kay ganahan sila kay naa ra sa app ang pag book. Usahay sa app na pud sila magbayad. (I believe Grabcar will be a game-changer here in Davao. It's efficient, and I'm optimistic about getting many bookings. Passengers like how it’s all in the app, even the payment.)”
For Nurse Marianne, Grabcar has eased the daily commute to her workplace. She enthusiastically shared, "Happy kaayo ko na naa na ang Grabcar sa Davao. Dili nako magdali sa morning unya di nako ma hassle mag hulat hulat pa’g makasakay. Lifesaver jud siya. (I’m thrilled that Grabcar is now in Davao. My mornings are no longer rushed, and I reach the hospital without the usual hassle. It's a lifesaver!)”
John Rivera, a college student, couldn't be happier. He said, “Nakatabang jud ang Grabcar sa akong life as a student kay mas manageable akong oras. Dili nako maghulat ug dugay sa mga taxi. Unya ma plan pajud nako akong budget kay dili ko makuratan sa meter kay given na daan ang price sa fare. (Grabcar has made my student life much more manageable. I don’t have to wait around for taxis and I can plan my budget since the app already shows the fare before the ride.”
As a content creator, “I’ve also had trouble finding a ride home after events or meetings. With Grabcar in Davao, I’m confident and hopeful that I can easily find a ride home without worrying about how safe a ride is. I can easily send my location and ride details to my family and I know and have experienced firsthand how persistent the prompts from the app are when the ride comes to an unplanned stop due to traffic.”
Grabcar’s "Track Your Ride" feature empowers passengers to share their ride details with friends and family, ensuring peace of mind. Furthermore, passengers are periodically asked about their well-being when the ride encounters a stall lasting more than 5 minutes before reaching its destination. For those who prefer a quieter journey, Grabcar offers a "Quiet Ride" option during booking, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.
The Country Head for Grab, Grace Vera Cruz, emphasized the pivotal role of technology and innovation in driving economic prosperity. She remarked, "Technology and innovation are not just catalysts of economic growth but torch-bearers of future opportunities. Together with your trust and support, we will illuminate the path towards digital literacy, technological advancement, and innovation. Our goal is to ensure that Mindanao does not merely participate but emerges as a key player in the Digital Revolution."
In a one-on-one interview with Vera Cruz, she expressed the importance of the digital revolution and how Grab is constantly working on ways to help more people adapt to the digital age and are working on initiatives to translate some of the app’s language to the regional dialect.
The launch of Grabcar in Davao received the blessing of the Region 11 Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Director, Nonito Llanos III, who expressed his wholehearted support for Grabcar's launch in Davao.
The LTFRB carefully examined 600 applications from individuals eager to become part of the Grab Community in Davao. After rigorous scrutiny, 200 units received approval for release. However, it was made clear that more units could be added if the demand necessitated such an expansion.
Vice Mayor Melchor Quitain also lent his voice to the chorus of approval for Grabcar's arrival, recognizing the city's need for enhanced transportation services. With a thriving calendar of events, conventions, and exhibits, Davao requires a reliable and efficient means of mobility, and Grabcar is poised to meet this demand.
The launch of Grabcar in Davao marks just the initial stride in the direction of a Digital Revolution. With this newfound mobility and convenience, Davaoeños can anticipate a future where traveling is not just better, but also safer and more accessible. The reach of Grabcar's services extends from Toril and Calinan to Lasang, promising to redefine the way people navigate the vibrant and busy streets of the city. Grab Philippines' entry into Mindanao heralds a promising future for the region, one that is firmly rooted in progress and innovation. (By Gaelle Ansaldo, Special to The Mindanao Examiner.)