Road-testing the GrabBike

Rappler.com

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Road-testing the GrabBike
But the LTFRB warns GrabBike it can face cancellation of its accreditation if it continues its operations without accreditation

Tired of endless Metro Manila traffic jams? With the ability to zigzag through traffic, Grab’s new motorcycle service GrabBike seems to be the solution for harried commuters. 

But the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) suspended the operations of ride-hailing service GrabBike on Wednesday, January 27.

The LTFRB directed the company to explain why the company is offering a service that has not been given a go-signal by the government.

Will this be GrabBike’s last ride?

Chrisee dela Paz reports. – Rappler.com

With commuters getting tired of Metro Manila’s traffic jam, more and more people are using GrabTaxi’s new motorcycle service called GrabBike.

Since November last year, GrabBike has been on beta testing, servicing Makati City and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

I’ve tried out GrabBike to find out the pros and cons of riding one.

I book a ride in Tordesillas Street in Makati City going to Bonifacio Global City.

In less than 5 minutes, I was able to get GrabBike driver Noel Barredo to accept my request.

As a rule, Grab Bike drivers offer the passenger a disposable face mask and shower cap before wearing helmet

The base fare for off-peak hours is 40 for the first 2 kilometers, with an additional P10 per kilometer for the first 2 to 7 kilometers.

GrabBike was first offered in Jakarta, Indonesia in May 2015.

Following its huge success in Jakarta, Grab Bike is now pilot testing in Metro Manila where there are now hundreds of  units.

GrabBike provides a new source of income to Filipinos like Noel, who used to work for a shipping company.

NOEL BARREDO, GRABBIKE OPERATOR/DRIVER: The demand for GrabBike is high and the income is just right for our needs. It’s actually better than the minimum. I just resigned from my previous job and this is now my full time work.  

Despite the heat, Noel says he logs around 12 hours a day, transporting an average of 10 passengers.

NOEL BARREDO, GRABBIKE OPERATOR/DRIVER: Yesterday I booked my highest number of trips so far. I had 10 rides. I earned around P800, which is the highest so far.

Although the ability to zigzag through traffic jams is their edge over four-wheeled vehicles, passenger safety remains Grab Bike’s priority.

Noel asked several times during the ride if he was going too fast, or if I am fine with his driving.

After all, they still have to abide by traffic rules.

And unlike riding a car, there’s no airconditioning while you’re on a Grab Bike.

Expect to be sweaty because of the heat.

In less than 15 minutes, we get to my destination in BGC, to the tune of 80 pesos. The ride is fast, cheap, but a bit sweaty.

Chrisee Dela Paz, Rappler, Makati. 

 

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