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Grab Philippines on Wednesday, October 28, announced that it has started rolling out a new feature to strengthen its adoption of cashless payments.

The new app update – which would be rolled out to some users starting Wednesday – includes the Cash-in with Driver feature which essentially allows sedan-service passengers to top up credits with the drivers.

Previously, users could only top up with select drivers. Now, the update will fully integrate the feature into the platform. All users will have the update by mid-November, according to Grab.

Screenshot from Grab Philippines

The move is seen to minimize cash transactions – a requirement set by transport regulators given the pandemic.

Under the initial run, users will be able to top up with their drivers in the following services:

• GrabCar 2-seater and 4-seater in Metro Manila
• GrabCar 2-seater in Cebu and Pampanga
• GrabBayanihan Car

Grab Philippines head of transport and shared services Ronald Roda said the feature will be expanded to other services in the coming months.

Users who have yet to set up the ride-hailing firm’s virtual wallet GrabPay will be asked to do so.

Motorcycle hailing

The national government’s coronavirus task force recently allowed motorcycle taxis to resume operations, pending guidelines from transport agencies.

Asked whether Grab would consider venturing into the service again, Roda answered that they could “if given a chance.”

“I think it would be easy [to return]. We have 70,000 two-wheel drivers which would make it easy for us to convert if needed,” he added.

In mid-2016, Grab used to offer motorcycle hailing services, but this was discontinued as the antiquated law banned two-wheelers from being hired.

In 2019, Angkas motorcycle drivers were allowed to offer rides under the Department of Transportation-led pilot study. The test run was extended to accommodate other players JoyRide and MoveIt, but it had to be cut a few days short because of the lockdown. – Rappler.com