Grab and Gojek to soften blow of petrol hike by passing on rebates to their drivers

PRIVATE- hire car drivers with Grab and Gojek will receive road tax and incentive rebates from the ride-hailing firms to help offset the cost of higher petrol excise duties announced in Budget 2021.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Wednesday that it would provide additional petrol duty rebates to active drivers of petrol and petrol-hybrid taxis, private-hire cars (PHCs) and individual owners of motorcycles up to 400cc in size.

LTA noted that GrabRentals and Grab's recommended fleet partners have committed to passing on the road tax rebates to drivers who lease qualifying cars from them; Gojek, on its part, has committed to introducing additional incentive rebates for its drivers.

Combined with the respective road tax rebates for cars, the additional rebates will help the drivers to offset the increase in petrol duties for about one year. Taxis and PHCs qualify for 15 per cent road tax rebates for a year, and additional rebates of S$360 disbursed over four consecutive months.

A Grab spokesperson said GrabRentals will start passing on the rebates in April, with full details to be shared later. Driver-partners on the GRBeyond loyalty programme will continue to enjoy 30 per cent discounts on fuel at selected petrol stations.

Grab's recommended fleet partners are Lion City Rental, Auto Exchange Leasing, MS Carz Leasing, Reliable Rides and Roset Limousine Services. Drivers can reach out to their respective rental companies for more details, to be shared later. All hirers will continue to enjoy 28 per cent fuel discounts at selected petrol stations.

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Gojek's additional incentive rebates will be introduced in March and April 2021.

Gojek Singapore general manager Lien Choong Luen said last week that the company will enhance fuel benefits for its driver-partners, with more inclusive and extensive fuel rebates, and complimentary car-wash services.

"This ensures we can continue to support our drivers by helping to defray their daily costs and providing earnings stability," he said.