MANILA, Philippines — Ride-hailing giant Grab Philippines and its motorcycle taxi partner, Move It, have launched a comprehensive support program to help their fleet of drivers and riders cope with the relentless surge in global oil prices. The initiative aims to provide immediate financial relief and long-term sustainability for the thousands of partners who form the backbone of the country’s leading digital transport and delivery platforms.
As diesel and gasoline prices continue to hover near record highs, the transport sector has been among the hardest hit. In response, Grab and Move It have introduced a “Fuel Subsidy and Assistance” package, which includes direct fuel vouchers and expanded partnerships with major oil companies to provide exclusive discounts at the pump. These measures are designed to reduce the daily operating expenses of drivers, ensuring they can maintain their take-home pay despite the economic pressure.
“Our drivers and riders are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to helping them navigate these difficult times,” a Grab Philippines representative stated. “By providing targeted subsidies and enhancing our rewards programs, we hope to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs and ensure that their livelihood remains viable.”
Beyond direct subsidies, the companies are also offering low-interest loan facilities for maintenance and emergency expenses, as well as educational assistance for the children of their top-performing partners. The platforms are also looking into optimizing their dispatch algorithms to reduce “dead mileage”—the distance a driver travels without a passenger—thereby saving on fuel consumption.
While transport groups have been calling for a fare hike to address the crisis, Grab and Move It noted that they are working closely with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to find a balance between driver earnings and passenger affordability. For now, the focus remains on internal support mechanisms and private-sector partnerships to keep the wheels of the gig economy turning.
