Consumers are spoilt for choice when it comes to ride-hailing apps in Singapore. The biggest is Grab which has a significant market share, after Uber pulled out of Singapore. Besides Grab, there are other ride-hailing apps such as GoJek, Ryde, and TADA.

The taxi companies in Singapore also has apps for customers to take their taxis. The most convenient app is the ComfortDelGro Taxi-Booking App ((iOS | Android) which provide access to the largest taxi fleet in Singapore. Other taxi apps include SMRT Book-A-Taxi (iOS | Android) and Trans-Cab Taxi App (iOS | Android)

Currently, there is a price war to gain market share between Grab and GoJek. Both companies are the most valuable startups in Southeast Asia, with multi-billion dollar valuations. Grab is still the dominant ride-hailing app but it is facing strong competition from GoJek which is the dominant leader in Indonesia. It entered the Singapore market in November 2018 and has run an aggressive marketing campaign by offering several promotions and vouchers. These promotions are applied automatically to the final bill and reflects an ease of convenience to consumers.

In a recent survey by the Straits Times, GoJek offers the cheapest ride for consumers. However, for consumers looking for convenience, one should go for Grab. In terms of best value of time and fare, GoJek is the leading app, followed by the other taxi apps such as ComfortDelgro.

The ride-hailing app industry is regulated by Land Transport Authority (LTA) with basic rules on consumer safety. Drivers must be registered and possessed appropriate insurance and license. This include a training course and meeting basic screening criteria. Child-safety mechanisms are also implemented where the car is required to have a booster seat or child-seat belt for a child passenger. Without these safety features, the ride-hailing driver has the right to reject car rides.

The ride-hailing apps operate by dynamic pricing model, which is adjusted to balance the demand and supply of drivers and passengers. During peak hours, the distance fare pricing will be escalated to reflect the high demand. They also offered different categories of rides for consumers. For example, Grab offers the following services:

  • GrabShare: On-demand carpool, could be private hire car or taxi
  • GrabHitch: Carpool in private car, advanced booking required
  • JustGrab: Fastest pickup, could be private hire car or taxi
  • GrabCar: Private hire ride
  • GrabFamily: Ride for families with children who need booster seats
  • GrabPet: Ride for passengers with pets