Grab vs Uber: Which is the better ride-sharing app to use?
Disclaimer: this post was done in partnership with CompareHero, Malaysia's number one financial comparison site. Learn more about their work at comparehero.my.
In the world we live in today, there are various modes of transportation to choose from to bring us from point A to B. We are all familiar with buses, taxis and trains but ride-sharing services are becoming increasingly popular these days. Uber and Grab are the top two players in this chauffeur services industry.
Uber
started off as a high-end ride-sharing service in the US but quickly reached out to daily commuters through their budget friendly services called UberX and UberPool. In a nutshell, Uber connects car
owners and users through a digital platform that has significantly improved the
taxi booking scene worldwide.
Read more: Grab integrates into Lyft's ride-sharing service in the United States
Similar to Uber, Grab (formerly known as GrabTaxi or MyTeksi in Malaysia), also reinvented the concept of call-to-book services and inadvertently transformed the taxi industry in our country for the better.
With these
ride-sharing services in place, instead of contacting a booking hotline, a passenger can effortlessly hail a taxi with a few taps. Just select your destination from wherever you are, check the
fares and proceed to book it. Your private driver will be arriving in no time!
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| image credit: Grab |
As more
and more people are shifting away from conventional modes of transportation, it
is inevitable that Uber and Grab will completely change the way we move around.
To help
you decide on which service to use given their similarities, here is a quick
comparison between Uber and Grab in Malaysia. Both apps
share the advantage of offering lower rates in average compared to taxis
and other car rental services. They also provide the convenience of booking
rides from the comfort of your smartphone
In terms
of payments, both services accept cash, debit or credit card payments.
Furthermore, the payments can also be sent directly to your company for business trips
to avoid the hassle of requesting a reimbursement.
Read more: Uber vs Grab vs Taxis. A visual price comparison
The main difference between the two is their fare calculation prior to booking. Uber’s estimated fares fluctuate depending on the (real-time) traffic condition which means you can’t be 100% sure on how much your ride would cost. On the other hand, the fare shown on Grab is accurately estimated so that you don’t have to worry about the sudden price hike when you reach your destination. Especially during peak hours, Uber's surge in pricing can go as high as doubling the base fare.
Additionally, the extra charges imposed by Grab is likely cheaper to Uber as they are calculated based on the actual demand for passengers. Furthermore, Grab also incorporates taxi services on its platform for more flexibility during peak hours.
On top of
that, Grab has recently introduced “Grab Hitch”, a carpool concept service that
is fairly new to Malaysians. All you have to do is simply key in your pick-up
and drop-off points as usual, Grab will automatically select the drivers who are
en route towards the same direction as you. This option will save you even more
money and the best part is it allows you to make friends during your commute.
Each ride-sharing app has its fair share of pros and cons. At the end of the day, it's up you to decide which service is best for you or you could always choose either one
of these services depending on the availability at a
particular time and place.
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