'S$5.70 ask Grab CEO to take you', S'pore Grab driver texts passenger with wheelchair who booked JustGrab

A Grab driver in Singapore has come under fire for apparently being deliberately impolite to a prospective passenger.

This was after the private hire vehicle driver informed the rider via text before pick-up: "S$5.70 ask Grab CEO to take you."

The booking was then cancelled.

Exchange shared online

A screenshot of the exchange was then shared on Facebook.

The post was put up to highlight the antics of the "rude driver" with a "very bad attitude", according to its caption.

However, online commenters took the driver's side, when they realised that the customer had booked a JustGrab service and indicated there would be one wheelchair being transported as well.

The post, which was posted at around 1:10am on Nov. 28, has since been deleted.

The text

In the conversation between the passenger and the driver, the passenger had indicated that there would be two persons and one wheelchair on board.

Based on the text the driver sent, it appeared that the driver would be paid S$5.70 for his service, and he was apparently unwilling to accept the offer.

Commenters sided with driver

Comments under the post mostly took the driver's side, pointing out that the customer was in the wrong for booking the JustGrab service when there was a wheelchair to be transported as well.

On the Grab app, those who need wheelchair assistance can opt to book a GrabAssist, where the drivers are trained by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC).

Meanwhile, a passenger who books a JustGrab will be assigned the nearest vehicle, regardless of whether it is a taxi or a car.

Grab's response

In response to Mothership's queries, a Grab spokesperson apologised for the encounter and said the driver was issued a warning as it was his first offence.

The driver acknowledged his mistake, the statement added.

Riders are also advised to book the correct service for their travelling requirements.

The Grab statement in full:

“We are sorry for the unpleasant experience the passenger had with our driver-partner. This incident does not reflect the integrity and professionalism that the majority of our driver-partners uphold in accordance with our code of conduct.

 

We have spoken to the driver-partner and he has acknowledged his mistake. We have since issued a warning to him given that this was his first offence. We would also like to remind all passengers with mobility devices to book the right vehicle type, even if they are travelling short distances, as some vehicles may not have sufficient boot space. This is why we have recently introduced the 'Grab (Foldable Mobility Device)' service to accommodate passengers with such needs.

 

We would like to take this opportunity to remind both our driver-partners and passengers to treat each other with respect in all their interactions. They can contact Grab if they require assistance at any point in time.”

Top photo from Grab/Unsplash & Complaint Singapore/Facebook