Grab Singapore has announced an immediate pause to its planned changes to driver incentive schemes, following pushback from drivers and concerns raised by the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA).
The revisions, which were originally intended to help drivers boost earnings through targeted driving during designated time slots and zones, have been shelved pending further review. In a joint statement issued on 25 June, Grab and the NPHVA stated the decision was made in response to feedback from driver-partners, highlighting the importance of ensuring driver concerns are addressed comprehensively before implementing new structures.
The proposed updates centred around modifications to the existing Grab Streak Bonus and the introduction of a revised Streak Zones programme, which were due to come into effect from 1 July. These changes would have enabled drivers to pre-book two-hour slots—primarily during peak periods—and receive a 5 per cent cash rebate on completed rides, along with milestone-based bonuses. Completed trips would also have counted towards monthly bonus targets.
However, the NPHVA cautioned that such adjustments could have negative implications for drivers’ income reliability. Many drivers depend on the current incentives to top up basic fares, and the revised system could limit their ability to reach earnings goals. Grab acknowledged in the joint statement that while the intended outcome was to reduce driving hours while maintaining income levels, the implementation could have been improved.
An in-app message issued to drivers confirmed the suspension of the planned incentive overhaul, noting that the changes had “raised questions and uncertainty”. The message assured driver-partners that no alterations would be made to the current Grab Streak Bonus and Streak Zones programmes at this stage.
The backlash was particularly vocal on social media. Yeo Wan Ling, adviser to the NPHVA, commented on Facebook that transitioning funds away from the widely-used and stable Streak Bonus could result in reduced earnings for the majority of drivers. She also raised concerns about the limited availability and unpredictability of pre-booked zone slots, making it difficult for drivers to plan and earn consistently.
Feedback from drivers echoed these apprehensions. Full-time driver Mr Yeo described the proposed changes as a downgrade from the existing system, arguing that it would be difficult to secure slots in the designated zones, thereby reducing earning potential. Another driver, Mr Dan Lim, who works night shifts from 7pm to 6am, said the incentives would unfairly disadvantage those operating outside of traditional peak hours.
Lim pointed out that night-time drivers frequently undertake long pick-ups for short trips, often earning as little as S$50 (approximately £29) in profits after accounting for expenses. “Most incentives go to daytime drivers, not those of us working midnight shifts,” he added.
Mr Andy Lim, who has been with Grab full-time for eight years, expressed scepticism about the overall value of incentives, stating they often do not compensate for the operational challenges faced. He recalled completing a one-hour trip for just S$12, from which he netted only S$8 after fuel and rental deductions.
“The current fare system feels like we’re being underpaid,” he said. “Some bookings require automatic acceptance to qualify for bonuses, but not all trips are worth the effort.”
Another driver, Mr Tan, who recently joined the platform full-time, called for an increase in base fares rather than complex incentive structures that he believes gamify the system and push drivers to overwork.
“We’re trading our time for money,” he said, noting the difficulty in balancing earnings with health and personal time. He shared concerns over driver fatigue and safety, especially when struggling to meet daily income targets. “For example, today I’m S$80 short, and tomorrow I have to send my daughter to a camp at 9am. It becomes a mental and physical strain.”
Mr Tan added that while being a private hire vehicle (PHV) driver is often marketed as flexible, the reality is far more demanding. “Freedom of time for a PHV owner is a fallacy. I’m lucky to drive my parents’ vehicle. It’s tougher for those who rent.”
Grab has not indicated when the incentive changes may be revisited but reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with stakeholders to better support its driver community.
-CNA
