Key Ride hailing apps from a perspective of a Singaporean.
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Disclaimer: While some points may be polished/generated? by AI, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this content remain those of the author.
General introduction:?
I've been using these mobile applications for some time now and these service providers all compete to give one key service. Ride hailing services. The more modern version of calling a taxi call center and dispatching a cab. It's good as more competetion forces more innovation and drive to provide a better service as if you don't, your competitors will provide better service. In the unfortunate event that you can't compete? Refer to Ubers exit from Singapore.Read more on how grab won the ride bailing scene against Uber here.
When the concept of ride hailing apps arrived in Singapore, it started as a novel idea, with discount coupons aplenty to encourage users to try.? Currently, the prices better reflect market prices at the time of booking as less drivers mean paying more or no ride. It can get costly, which is why it's a value added service. That 1-1 ride from A to B? Adds value, pay more as you skip public transport crowds and skip to your destination. Don't feel like cooking or buying takeaway? That delivery will cost you. Same goes for others like grocery delivery etc.
Let's jump to to the list of ride hailing apps:?
Introduction (AI generated)
Welcome to Grab! Founded in 2012 by Anthony Tan and Tan Hooi Ling, Grab is a Singapore-based technology company that revolutionized the way people commute, dine, and transact across Southeast Asia. Originally starting as a ride-hailing service, Grab has since diversified its offerings to include food delivery (GrabFood), package delivery (GrabExpress), digital payments (GrabPay), and more. With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Grab continues to reshape the digital landscape of Southeast Asia.
Author's input:?
In general, grab is available via mobile apps for Android or apple. As we can see, grab went beyond just ride hailing services. It has its own payment system, food delivery ( similar to Uber eats) and a package delivery service. Lately, it also has BNPL (buy now pay later) for eligible users. Basically, it works like a credit card, allowing users to rake up purchases and pay up the valence at the end of the month. My rule of thumb for BNPL is treat it like a credit card. Never charge more than what you can afford to pay off. It's like a credit card right now, which results in reward points called grab points, which mimicks credit card points/Cashback. In general, the fees are competetive when compared to other platforms. A key changer is something called surge pricing. Locally, peak hours or bad weather is enough to spike a surge price for a fixed ride fare home. In general, sometimes there are things like long waiting times or no drivers but it is not something that grab can control as it is supply and demand at play. App wise yes you do need a internet connection. However, sometimes the app just lags on me, which is frustrating
?Which means time to update the mobile application with the latest patch when it's available. Overall I would give it a 8.5/10 (-0.5 for the instances of wrong gps location detection,-0.5 for sometimes the laggy instances, -0.5 price wise when sometimes it's cheaper to take a taxi cab then call a car.) It's a good app, like having multiple services at your fingertips. Here is a full list so far:?
Hence yes, innovation is a way forward. And it's the only ride hailing platform which I see on the us stock market out of the other platforms I'm going to talk about and have used and using. Next is an innovate concept I see in my grab app right now. Appealing to eco friendly conscious riders or just those who want a quiet ride:?
Also there are certain requirements for for certain instances have booster seats. Book the correct car to avoid disputes if you don't have a booster seat? It's a legal requirement for booster seats. Typically young children.?
Unless you book specifically with a booster seat included, I've seen instances where it's common for drivers not to have a booster seat for the kids most of my rides
Company Introduction (AI generated)?
Gojek is an Indonesian technology company that provides a wide range of services, including transportation, food delivery, logistics, and payment solutions. It was founded in 2010 by Nadiem Makarim, Kevin Aluwi, and Michaelangelo Moran. Initially launched as a motorcycle ride-hailing service, Gojek has grown into a super app offering various services such as GoRide (ride-hailing), GoFood (food delivery), GoSend (package delivery), and GoPay (digital wallet). Gojek has played a significant role in transforming the digital economy and improving accessibility to services in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries where it operates.
Author's input:?
This was originally a competitor to grab when it first came in. Today, both platforms compete with each other in ride hailing services. Since they only compete in one scope, they will have to compete mainly on pricing. This is because there are other platforms that can offer the same service, leaving little production differentiation. When they first came, a lot of ride vouchers just like grab.? Currently they do have $2 ride discounts here and there and when the price is in my favour and I need, book. In general, similar experience to grab. Rides are smooth and comfortable. Overall rating 9.5/10. Only complaint is the gps postion that incorrectly detects my location sometimes. (-0.5 points)
Also there are certain requirements for for certain instances have booster seats. Book the correct car to avoid disputes if you don't have a booster seat? It's a legal requirement for booster seats. Typically young children. Unless you book specifically with a booster seat included, I've seen instances where it's common for drivers not to have a booster seat for the kids most of my rides.?
Company Introduction:( AI generated)
ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited was formed in 2003 through a merger between Comfort Group and DelGro Corporation. Comfort Group, originally founded in 1970, was known for its taxi operations, while DelGro Corporation, founded in 1997, was a transportation conglomerate with interests in buses, trains, and other transportation services.
Today, ComfortDelGro is one of the largest land transport companies in the world, offering a wide range of services including:
1. Taxi Services: Operating a fleet of taxis in various cities, including the iconic blue taxis in Singapore.
2. Private Hire Cars: Providing private hire car services through platforms like ComfortDelGro Taxi Booking App.
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3. Bus Services:Operating scheduled bus services in Singapore and other countries.
4. Rail Services: Managing and operating rail services in some regions.
5. Automotive Services: Offering automotive engineering services, inspection and testing, and vehicle maintenance services.
6. Other Services: Providing ancillary services such as insurance brokerage, outdoor advertising, and driving centers.
With a diverse portfolio of transportation services, ComfortDelGro continues to play a vital role in the mobility sector, both in Singapore and internationally.
Author's input:?
?You can download the android or apple version of the mobile app to get started. This is a Singaporean local taxi booking mobile application. Download the android or apple version accordingly and you are good to go. If you get a cab here, you can skip the booster seat for the young kids. It's just a local regulation where taxis can skip the booster seat requirements but private hire cars can't. You can choose from meter fares or fixed fares too. Feeling fancy? Limos are available too
In general, I wouldn't call cab here unless it's a last resort because price is more competitive elsewhere. App works fine and no major issues with drivers etc so 9.5/10) (-0.5 for minor price point)
Company Introduction:
South Korean blockchain company (MVL) that operates ride-hailing service Tada in Singapore. According to the company feature by tribecar, TADA is Singapore’s 1st Zero-Commission Ride-hailing App. When drivers do not need to pay commissions, Riders can enjoy reasonable and stable fares. Check out their official website here. Download the mobile application for Android or apple to get started
Author's input:?
On some occasions, this company has lived up to what it claims to be. A reasonable platform for riders and drivers. I've seen instances where a ride here is cheaper as compared to the other 3 platforms earlier.? Like gojek in Singapore, they compete mainly on ride hailing services. For rider perspective, I only need to pay a? card surcharge as the company doesn't have a commission revenue like other platforms. User interface is easy to navigate and is user friendly. 10/10 rating overall.
Conclusion:?
There are many competing platforms to get a car ride and having competition keeps prices competitive and prevents a monopoly where we are forced to pay company dictated prices instead of prices made by the open market. These platofrms have also started to ahve other surcharges like drivers fees etc to help them offset costs and so on. It keeps things sustainable overall in my opinion. If you are a interested driver reading this, there are separate mobile applications for this.? At the same time, there are other platforms like Ryde which I didn't write about because I'm not famaliar with it. Thanks for reading.
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