Ride-sharing service operator Grab has recently introduced a new carpooling app that offers cheaper rides and at the same time help ease traffic congestion.
Called GrabHitch, the app allows car owners to offer carpooling services to cost-conscious commuters, said Jaygan Fu, Grab’s country manager.
“According to a study by Nielsen, Malaysia has the third highest car ownership globally, where 93% of households own at least a car and 54% have more than one car,” The Star has quoted Jaygan of saying at the launch of the app on Thursday.
“This represents a significant pool of vehicles with extra seats for more passengers and the potential to play a part in improving the nation’s transportation network.”
Besides helping to ease daily traffic congestion, Fu said passengers can save up to 85% on fares.
For this app-sharing system to work, registered GrabHitch drivers would have to key in their routes to match with potential passengers for a deal to be struck. And as a safety precaution, both driver and passengers are required to log on to Facebook where both parties can see if they share mutual friends.
“Both parties can indicate that they only want to travel with the same gender,” he added.
Oh, 16 May has been declared as Free GrabHitch Day, so carpool away!
