Ahead of the anticipated surge in ride bookings this holiday season, Grab Philippines has rolled out new measures to enhance the overall safety of its ride-hailing service. These come in the form of both tech-based features and new initiatives.
New Safety Center features
The in-app Safety Center of the Grab platform already includes functions like Emergency SOS and ‘Report an Issue.’ Grab Philippines is now adding two more safety mechanisms.
The first is Driver Selfie Verification, which complements the current pre-trip selfie checks. The new feature prompts drivers to take and upload random selfies throughout the day to verify their identity. Through this, Grab can verify that only registered drivers are operating at all times.
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Audio Protect, meanwhile, may be turned on to record audio during rides. It uses AI to screen in-car audio signals and detect real-time risks, adding an extra layer of security on top of other precautionary features like trip monitoring and ‘Share Your Ride.’ Recordings are securely stored in case of disputes or safety issues.
Safety-first initiatives
Grab has also teamed up with government agencies and various organizations to incorporate training modules focused on behavioral psychology and safety in its GrabAcademy curriculum. According to the company, this will “provide drivers with the skills needed to maintain a safe and positive riding environment.”
The Philippine National Police (PNP), for instance, will hold sessions on road safety and crime prevention. Meanwhile, the Philippine Commission for Women (PWC) will develop educational content focusing on the Safe Spaces Act to promote gender-sensitive and safe interactions.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do,” says EJ Dela Vega, head of mobility at Grab Philippines. “Our approach goes beyond the platform—we take an active approach in ensuring everyone has a safe ride. We have ongoing dialogues with our passengers, driver-partners, and government stakeholders, taking an active role in ensuring safe rides across the industry. Everyone plays a part in maintaining safety, and by working together, we can create a safer journey for all.”
