Grab tests new feature pairing women drivers with women passengers

SINGAPORE: Grab is testing a new feature that allows its women drivers to indicate if they would prefer to pick up women passengers.

The feature aims to increase safety for its women drivers, and is among other initiatives announced at the launch of its Women Programme, which seeks to lower barriers to entry for women looking to work on its platform. 

"Exclusive to women driver-partners only, Grab is now testing a new 'Women Passengers Preferred BETA' feature," said the ride-hailing platform on Wednesday (Mar 6) in a news release. 

"The feature enables women partners to indicate their preference for women passengers. When the feature is toggled on, it increases the chances of matching a woman driver-partner with a woman passenger, if there is a woman passenger in the vicinity."

This offers an additional layer of safety while providing options for women drivers and users who would feel more comfortable driving or taking a ride with a woman, said Grab. 

Noting that its partner community is male-dominated, it added that more needs to be done to increase women participation on its platform.

"Our new Women Programme aims to empower women to take up platform work by addressing their unique concerns around safety and dispelling the notion that driving is not suitable for them."

WOMEN PROGRAMME

Other initiatives were also unveiled at its Women Partner Appreciation Event on Wednesday.

These include the Women-only Online Community and Info Sessions, which help them to connect with and support one another. Physical info-sharing sessions will be held on a monthly basis to update them on the latest company developments.

A training module will be launched this month to equip them with the skills to handle challenging scenarios and help them gain confidence.  

An existing co-pilot programme that pairs new women driver-partners with experienced ones will be expanded.

"Grab will also be looking at improving women driver- and delivery- partners with benefits that are tailored to their needs, such as healthcare checks," Grab added. 

In response to a query from CNA, Grab said on Friday that "most of the initiatives announced will be rolled out by this month".