Grab temporarily raising metered taxi fares to support GrabCab drivers amid rise in fuel costs

GrabCab will be raising its metered taxi fares temporarily from Mar. 30 to May 31 to support its taxi drivers as fuel prices continue to climb.

In a statement on Mar. 23, the ride-hailing company said the move is part of a wider effort to ensure drivers can continue to operate sustainably during a period of fuel price volatility.

Changes to fares

The adjustment will apply only to metered taxi rides, including those hailed on the street and those booked via the Grab app, and will affect the distance and waiting time components of the taxi meter.

The unit fare for GrabCab rides will be raised from S$0.26 to S$0.27, charged every 400m for the first 10km, every 350m beyond that, or every 45 seconds of waiting time.

Flag-down fares will remain unchanged at S$4.60 for a four-seater and S$4.80 for a six-seater.

GrabCab provided the following fare increase estimates:

• Short trip (eg. 4km, Novena to Orchard): approximately S$0.08 more
• Mid-range trip (eg. 12km, Ang Mo Kio to City Hall): approximately S$0.28 more
• Long-distance trip (eg. 30km, Woodlands to Changi Airport): approximately S$0.80 more

Grab said the adjustment has been carefully calibrated to provide drivers with direct financial relief on every kilometre they cover.

"The math for our drivers has changed quickly with fuel prices increasing at the pump. Following the fuel vouchers we distributed last week, this metered 'top-up' is a necessary next step to ensure that the extra costs drivers face are partially offset by every trip they complete," the company said.

Grab added that it will continue to monitor the situation and explore more ways to support its driver-partners.

"We appreciate your understanding and your support for the drivers who keep Singapore moving."

Top photo from Shin Min Daily News