Known as GrabHitch Johor Baru-Singapore Inter-Country Service (GrabHitch JB-SG), the new service allows both drivers and passengers to pay less for their daily commute, meet new people, and enjoy the safety, comfort and convenience of point-to- point transportation.
To celebrate the launch of GrabHitch JB-SG, Grab is running a promotion for JB-bound rides. From June 20 to Aug 20, passengers can enjoy S$5 (around RM15) off all weekday Singapore to Johor Baru trips that are above 10km by entering the promo code "hitch2jb" when making a booking.
GrabHitch, a beta carpooling service that was recently launched in Malaysia and Singapore, is designed for regular drivers with extra space in their vehicles to pick up fellow passengers who share similar routes or destinations.
Cost-sharing is the biggest motivation for both drivers and passengers. A Grab survey of commuters who travel regularly between JB and Singapore found that nine in 10 commuters (88%) are open to hitching a ride from JB to Singapore. Correspondingly, 89% of respondents who own a private vehicle said they are willing to give commuters a lift.
According to Malaysia’s Immigration Department and Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, an estimated 400,000 commuters pass through the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints daily. Despite high toll fees and frequent traffic jams, a majority of commuters still prefer to travel by private cars when crossing the border for the convenience of door-to- door transport.
To give passengers peace of mind, Grab said it ensures all GrabHitch drivers have the valid licences to drive a private car. Grab will screen all GrabHitch drivers for any major traffic offences that may put passengers’ well-being at risk. Other safeguards include in-app features like “Share My Ride” to allow passengers to share ride information with loved ones on the go, as well as “Driver Rating” to encourage GrabHitch drivers to maintain high standards. A 24-hour customer service hotline is available to provide further assistance to commuters.
