GrabCab to hit the road in July with new hybrid taxi fleet and driver perks

Grab will be launching a new taxi fleet called GrabCab in Singapore this July, made up entirely of hybrid and electric vehicles. The move marks the tech giant’s latest push into sustainable urban mobility, with the fleet set to serve passengers via street-hails, taxi stands and app-based bookings.

GrabCab will initially roll out with 40 fifth-gen Toyota Prius vehicles, with more low- and zero-emission models to be added from leading manufacturers such as the Hyundai Kona hybrid in August. The new fleet is designed to complement existing point-to-point transport services and improve overall ride availability.

Each vehicle is equipped with Grab’s integrated mobile data terminal, allowing drivers to switch easily between street-hail and ride-hailing jobs. AI-powered tools such as the KartaDongle and KartaDashcam will also be installed to promote safe driving and feed into broader smart nation efforts.

Don't miss: Grab launches AI Centre of Excellence to drive SEA innovation 

KartaDongle captures telematics data such as collisions, hard braking, speeding and weather conditions to help drivers avoid disruptions and maintain safety standards. KartaDashcam provides real-time imaging of road conditions to alert drivers of hazards such as floods, accidents or potholes.

Meanwhile, GrabCab fares will follow existing taxi industry rates, including location- and time-based surcharges and booking fees.

Drivers who join the fleet will gain access to a suite of perks, including up to 14 days of medical leave, instant fare payouts, and a S$1,000 safe driving bonus for every 12 months accident-free. Rental packages start from S$117 a day, with discounts of up to 40% on fuel and 25% on EV charging across four providers islandwide.

Additional benefits include vehicle maintenance subsidies, accident coverage of up to S$289,000, and access to the GrabBenefits 2.0 programme, which offers education sponsorship and upskilling support. Under the Founders Package, drivers can also receive a Welcome Bonus of up to S$3,888 and sponsorship for the Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licence.

When asked how GrabCar compares to its competitors, Victor Sim, director of GrabRentals, reportedly said that the benefits GrabCar can offer drivers come from its technological hardware and strong partnership with the industry.

That said, GrabCar will avoid recruiting drivers from other taxi companies as it would not grow the pool of available taxi drivers in the country. This is especially since GrabCab's aim is to "grow the pie" and "not to split the pie or take some from them", Sim reportedly added.

GrabCab first received its street-hailing service operator license in April this year, making itself the sixth taxi-operator in the country. Under the license, GrabCab will be allowed a three-year grace period to progressively expand their fleet to meet the minimum fleet size requirement of 800 taxis.

GrabCab will also need to comply with the conditions of its licence, including meeting LTA’s safety standards and ensuring that partnership arrangements with drivers are non-exclusive in nature.

Related articles:  
Grab obtains street-hail service license in SG, enters taxi market  
Grab reportedly in talks to acquire GoTo in Q2 deal  
Grab leans big on AI for new product solutions