GrabHitch is Coming Back Tomorrow (22 June) But With More Restrictions

Do you have to get back to work come Monday? Are you an avid fan of Grab’s social carpooling service GrabHitch? Because if you are, I’ve terrific news for you.

GrabHitch is Coming Back Tomorrow (22 June)

Lest you’re unaware, GrabHitch was temporarily discontinued after additional anti-pandemic measures were implemented on 7 April.

Which left us all feeling a little more down than usual, considering how fares for GrabHitch are a ‘pittance’ compared to the usual ride-hailing and taxi fares.

But times have changed. And it seems that GrabHitch has, once again, been given the go-ahead to please the crowd.

On Wednesday (17 June), Senior Minister of State for Transport Janil Puthucheary announced that paid carpool services (that are enacted via legitimate booking platforms) can continue from Friday (19 June).

This is in line with the nation’s “reopening”, as it enters Phase Two of its “Circuit Breaker exit“.

As such, Grab has brought back the popular social carpooling service, and stated that the GrabHitch service will resume operations from 10:00 a.m. next Monday (22 June).

Best news I’ve heard all week… end.

With More Restrictions

However, the comeback is not without certain restrictions in place. For one, only a certain number of passengers are able to sit in a vehicle at any one time.

“GrabHitch drivers are not allowed to accept more than one booking per trip, capped at three passengers per ride and are recommended to have all passengers seated at the back of the vehicle as part of safe distancing measures,” a spokesman for the private-hailing firm said.

Masks are also an absolute necessity.

“It is mandatory for all drivers and passengers to wear a mask when they are out. If either party shows up without a mask or appears unwell, passengers and drivers can cancel the booking.”

Grab’s new safety measures for its conventional ride-hailing service, which will commence from 1 July, will also be extended to GrabHitch.

“As the situation remains fluid, we stand ready to adjust our services in response to the current Covid-19 situation,” said Grab.

On the other hand, paid carpool services that are arranged through informal platforms like chat groups are not allowed.

I’m not looking at Telegram groups.

This is due to the nature of the booking platform, which makes it virtually impossible for trip and passenger details to be recorded.

“Paid carpool services arranged through informal platforms such as chat groups are not OK and cannot resume because there are no means to record trip and passenger details,” said Dr Janil.

Well, guess we just gotta wait. 

And with that said, let’s give our social carpooling services a warm welcome;

For they’ve been sorely missed.

And do you know you can even fall in love with GrabHitch? Here, watch this video and you’d understand (also, subscribe to our YouTube channel for more meaningful videos!):