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Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Straits Times
National private-hire drivers' group calls on Grab to hold off change in bonus scheme
Grab said this move will enhance drivers' earnings, while enabling the platform to better match driver supply to unmet demand. PHOTO: ST FILE National private-hire drivers' group calls on Grab to hold off change in bonus scheme SINGAPORE – The National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) has asked ride-hailing platform Grab to delay the roll-out of changes to its incentive schemes slated to for July 1 'for further deliberation'. In an in-app message to drivers on its app at 2pm on June 20, Grab announced that from July 1, Streak Zones would be available to all its partner drivers, along with revisions to the existing monthly bonus scheme. Streak Zones was previously trialled from May 2024. It allows drivers to pre-book two-hour time slots where they drive in high-demand areas, during which all their bookings are automatically accepted. These slots are mostly during peak periods. Drivers earn a cashback of 5 per cent on every completed trip. 'Payouts are made the next day, improving cash flow for driver-partners,' Grab told The Straits Times. However, NPHVA is concerned that the changes would result in reduced earnings of most full-time drivers, said Ms Yeo Wan Ling, adviser to the association, in a Facebook post on June 23. Grab's monthly bonus scheme, previously called Grab Streak Bonus, has three levels, each with its own bonus structure. The more trips a driver completes in a month, the higher the percentage bonus on their earnings, with rates increasing across tiers and trip milestones. From July 1, the percentage bonuses will also be cut. For instance, the bonus for the 300th to 499th rides, which now starts at 8 per cent for drivers in the lowest level, will be slashed to 4 per cent. Currently, those who clock at least 300 rides also earn a cash bonus of $30, $80 or $100, depending on their incentive level. But from July 1, drivers in the lowest incentive levels will not receive this cash bonus, while this is also cut for the next two tiers to $30 and $50 respectively. However, those in the highest level who complete 651 or more rides can still earn up to 21 per cent in bonuses, down from the 701 rides needed in the current scheme. Weekly bundle bonuses ranging from $25 to $68 will also be given to drivers who complete more Streak Zones. Ms Yeo, who is also assistant secretary-general of National Trades Union Congress and an MP for Punggol GRC, said these changes make earnings less predictable. 'The added complexity makes it harder for drivers to work out whether they'll be better off compared to the previous structure,' she said. NPHVA reiterated its call for Grab to have 'more meaningful consultation' with the association before making changes that affect driver earnings, Ms Yeo added. She also said there is no assurance for drivers that there will be sufficient Streak Zones slots available for everyone. In response, Grab told ST that its decision to reallocate funds from its monthly bonus scheme to expand Streak Zones would ensure sufficient slots for those who wish to participate. Grab did not respond to ST's query on whether it will delay the launch of the new Streak Zones feature. The ride-hailing operator said this move will enhance drivers' earnings, while enabling the platform to better match driver supply to time periods and areas with higher unmet demand. It said that the change will better support part-time drivers who are on the road for a few hours each day, and reward full-time drivers for their commitment. Grab said the Streak Zones feature was co-created with its driver-partners through small-scale trials and focus group discussions. Improvements were made based on drivers' feedback, such as cutting Streak Zone slots from three to two hours, and shortening the required durations of staying online from 85 to 70 per cent of the slot. In comments on Ms Yeo's post, some drivers called for higher base fares and a more transparent pricing system, as well as to completely remove such incentive schemes. Grab has initiated a feedback session with its drivers on June 26 to discuss the change in its bonus scheme. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Business Times
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Times
Private-hire group urges Grab to delay bonus revamp, over fears that drivers' earnings will be hurt
[SINGAPORE] The National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) has urged Grab to delay changes to its driver incentive scheme, saying it is 'particularly concerned' about the impact on drivers' earnings and income stability. The call, made on Monday (Jun 23), comes just over a week before the ride-hailing platform intends to roll out its revised incentive structure, which aims to reward consistent drivers. In a Facebook post, NPHVA requested that Grab delay the implementation of the change 'for further deliberation'. 'We are particularly concerned about the impact on drivers completing 300 to 499 trips monthly, who make up a significant portion of full-time drivers and will be most affected by the reduction of the monthly streak bonus,' said the association. Under the current Grab Streak Bonus framework, private-hire drivers in the lowest tier of Grab's four-level rewards system can earn a S$30 cash bonus, along with 8 per cent of their monthly nett earnings, if they make 300 to 499 trips a month. Drivers can level up by maintaining a minimum of 300 rides for each successive month. Incentives increase accordingly: S$80 and a 10 per cent bonus under Level 2, and S$100 with a 13 per cent bonus under Level 3. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The maximum bonus under the current scheme is 21 per cent, awarded to Diamond Circle drivers who complete more than 701 rides a month. However, this is set to change from Jul 1. The updated scheme has lower overall payouts for drivers who complete 300 to 499 trips, and a new feature where drivers can pre-book time slots to earn more. The changes Drivers told The Business Times they were only informed of the impending changes on Jun 20, via an in-app notification. In the message, seen by BT, Grab said it was 'enhancing our incentive programme to make it more accessible and inclusive', with a new feature called Streak Zones. Under the revised scheme, renamed Grab Monthly Bonus, overall incentive payouts are broadly reduced. Top-tier Diamond drivers will still be able to earn up to 21 per cent in bonuses, now by completing 651 rides instead of 701. But drivers in the 300 to 499 ride range will see lower payouts: 8 per cent (Level 1), 7 per cent (Level 2), and 10 per cent (Level 3). They will also get lower cash bonuses: no payout for Level 1, S$30 for Level 2, and S$50 for Level 3, compared to the current maximum of S$100. Drivers can earn more through the new Streak Zones feature. These are two-hour time slots that drivers must pre-book to qualify for a 5 per cent cashback on fares earned during the period. Drivers who complete a target number of Streak Zones within a designated timeframe may also receive an extra cash bonus of between S$25 and S$68. A risk to earnings NPHVA advisor Yeo Wan Ling made the same post as the association on Facebook, raising the worry that earnings could fall for the 'majority of our average drivers'. She also raised concerns over the availability and allocation of Streak Zones slots as 'there is no assurance that sufficient slots will be available' for all drivers who wish to participate. It is hard for drivers to work out whether they will be better off compared to the previous structure, she added. 'Drivers need to be able to formulate the best strategy for their daily earnings, but these changes make earnings less predictable.' NPHVA continues to call 'for more meaningful consultation' with the union before Grab rolls out changes that affect driver earnings — in line with its previous calls for proper engagement on policies that impact drivers' livelihoods. Yeo added that all Grab drivers are welcome to join NPHVA's upcoming 'Grab a Drink' session on Jun 26 to discuss how the new scheme could affect their earnings. The Business Times has contacted Grab for comment on NPHVA's call to delay the rollout.
Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Straits Times
Coffee on wheels: Union thanks public transport workers with mobile ‘cafe'
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the mobile coffee bus with the Minister of State for Transport and Law Murali Pillai (3rd from left), and NTWU executive secretary Yeo Wan Ling (4th from left) at the Toa Payoh bus interchange on May 14. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG SINGAPORE - Over 2,000 public transport staff will be treated to free coffee and snacks at 12 different locations over the next three weeks , served from the National Transport Workers' Union's (NTWU) Coffee Bus. First launched in the 1970s to offer bus drivers an affordable quick bite in between their shifts, the concept was replaced with proper canteens run by NTWU following its formation in 1981. The Coffee Bus initiative made its return to honour the service and contributions of public transport workers in Singapore, in conjunction with SG60 and May Day celebrations organised by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). The exterior of the mobile coffee bus at Toa Payoh bus interchange on May 14, 2025. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG The retrofitted public bus, whose exterior bears resemblance to the classic 1970s public bus design, was unveiled on May 14 at the opening ceremony, which was attended by Mr Murali Pillai, Minister of State for Law and Transport. The bus also has a small gallery on Singapore's public transportation history, featuring old bus tickets and driver uniforms. Vintage bus components such signboards and uniforms decorate the interior of the mobile coffee bus at Toa Payoh bus interchange on May 14, 2025. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Over the next three weeks, it will be travelling to the busiest bus and train deports, and bus interchanges in areas including Punggol, Bukit Merah and Tampines. Some of these stops will be open to the public, for them to know more about public transport staff's contributions to Singapore. NTWU's executive secretary, Ms Yeo Wan Ling, 48, said: 'The idea that we want to inculcate is to not take our public transport workers for granted. These are the uncles and aunties that you meet right every single time when you go to school, or work, and they are also the same people that greet you warmly when you come back home.' Ms Yeo, who is also MP of Punggol GRC, said the Coffee Bus was launched to express the union's gratitude for public transport workers' contributions, and reaffirm its commitment to understand workers' needs. The Bus Safety Tripartite Taskforce released its recommendations in March, which were developed together with tripartite partners like NTWU. Among the proposals, which were accepted by the Government, made to improve bus captains' working conditions include protected meal break durations, keeping new bus routes' scheduled runtime to within two hours and improving technology to enhance bus safety. The taskforce's report is the culmination of a months-long exercise led by Mr Murali. Guest-of-honour Mr Murali Pillai (right), the Minister of State for Transport and Law and NTWU executive secretary Yeo Wan Ling (centre) with a member of public at the launch of a mobile coffee bus at Toa Payoh bus interchange. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG In a speech at the event, Mr Murali highlighted how the shift from confrontational employer-employee relations in the 1950s and 60s to today's cooperative tripartite system benefits all parties through initiatives like the Coffee Bus. In light of the current economic climate , he added: 'When we face uncertainty, we must make sure we stand with (our public transport workers), stay resilient as a team, and better help them. We need to have that spirit of innovation.' A staff hands a member of the public a cup of coffee inside the mobile coffee bus at Toa Payoh bus interchange. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG For Mr Lim Yew Huat, 74, a senior bus captain, the Coffee Bus initiative was a flash from the past. 'In the past, it provided a convenient energy boost for bus captains. Seeing the bus again brings back warm memories of the good old days when I first started as a bus captain.' said Mr Lim, who recalled moments of camaraderie with his colleagues over a cup of coffee before their shifts. Mr Lim, who will be celebrating his 50th year with SBS Transit in July, also shared his hope for passengers to treat bus captains and public transport staff with understanding, especially when there are unexpected delays. 'A little kindness from passengers can go a long way. It makes my day when my passengers greet me with a smile,' he added. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
