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Grab launches GrabHitch to support Jakarta commuters
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Jakarta commuters can now use GrabHitch to share a ride to a common destination. (shutterstock.com/Maxxa Satori /File)
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rab, Southeast Asia’s largest ride-hailing app, has launched a ride-sharing service for Jakarta commuters who travel daily from the outskirts of the city, such as Tangerang, Depok and Bogor. Dubbed GrabHitch, the new service is available for motorcycles only.
“We see an opportunity to decrease the number of private vehicles that travel to Jakarta, therefore we have established GrabHitch, where people can share their ride with people who have a similar route,” said Grab Indonesia managing director Ridzki Kramadibrata, as quoted by Antara news agency.
To use the service, users need to submit their ride details, such as pick-up and drop-off locations as well as the pick-up time. Furthermore, they can choose whether they want a same-gender driver and select the number of passengers. When GrabHitch finds a suitable driver, users confirm their ride with the driver. A GrabHitch ride can be scheduled from as little as 30 minutes to a week prior to the planned journey.
“A driver who has the same destination will pick you up, so it will only use one motorcycle,” Ridzki added. “This will reduce private vehicle usage.”
Unlike the same company’s GrabBike service, which can be difficult for customers to avail themselves of during rush hours due to high demand and limited supply, GrabHitch is marketed as the alternative for those very hours. The new service charges users Rp 20,000 (US$1.54) for a trip of up to 15 kilometers. Trips longer than that cost just Rp 1,000 per kilometer.
However, passengers will need to pay a cancellation fee if they fail to turn up. Payments can be done through the GrabPay service by credit card and or in cash. Currently, GrabHitch is only available in the Jabodetabek area. (asw)
