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So what happens now to the Uber app on your phone?

In the wake of Grab’s takeover of company’s SEA operations

The Uber app will soon be phased out in the Philippines. PHOTO FROM UBER

Now that American ride-sharing company Uber is turning over its business operations in Southeast Asia—which includes the Philippines, obviously—to Singapore-based rival Grab, it’s only logical for Filipino Uber riders to be asking this question: “What’s going to happen to the Uber app on my smartphone?”

Well, the answer was received via e-mail today by said customers. The following is Uber’s message:

We want to share some news with you—Uber will be combining our operations with Grab to lead you in the next chapter of ride-sharing in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia. What this means for you: We will be transitioning our services over to the Grab platform by April 8, 2018, so all requests after that date should be made from the Grab app. However, you can still use the Uber app in more than 80 countries around the world.

Meanwhile, Grab has this to say on its website:

In the immediate term, nothing will change and operations will continue as normal. As we work together to combine the Uber and Grab platforms, you can expect better service with more drivers and transport options available on one app. The Uber service will be available in Southeast Asia for two more weeks until April 8, 2018, as we onboard Uber drivers to the Grab platform. Uber riders can immediately download and use the Grab app to book rides for your traveling needs in Southeast Asia.

Grab adds that it will not have access to your Uber account information, and that you will just have to create a new Grab account (assuming you haven’t done so).

Another question you might have is whether the fares will be adjusted when Grab officially takes over Uber’s business after April 8th. Here’s Grab’s answer:

No. For services that are on dynamic fares, such as GrabCar or GrabShare, fares will continue to be calculated based on a base distance, with a dynamic surcharge that will be applied based on factors including demand and supply at that particular point in time, traffic conditions and estimated time taken for the journey. This is a fair calculation for drivers as they navigate varying road conditions throughout the day. This means fares are lower in low-demand periods—and vice versa—which helps match drivers to passengers efficiently throughout the day. Passengers who choose the taxi options will continue to pay by metered fares that are set by the taxi companies.

So there. Enjoy your Uber app while you still can–you still have a little less than two weeks to do so.



Vernon B. Sarne

Vernon is the founder and editor-in-chief of VISOR. He has been an automotive journalist for 26 years. He became one by serendipity, walking into the office of a small publishing company and applying for a position he had no idea was for a local car magazine. God has watched over him throughout his humble journey. He writes the ‘Spoiler’ column.



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