As Work from Home (WFH) continues to be the norm during Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), many drivers continue to bear the brunt after earnings have reportedly halved. Many drivers, especially those using Grab, were not happy after Grab announced that they would increase fares by $1.
They gave the feedback that the move would not help them and that it seemed opportunistic as Grab could continue imposing this increase well after Covid is over.
Gojek is halving its commission, so drivers earn more
Enter Gojek, which recently announced that it would be halving its commission from 21 June till at least the end of 2022 to help drivers increase their earnings.
This means that Gojek drivers will get to keep 90 per cent of the fare from every trip, up from 80 per cent previously.
Gojek will also introduce a payout of $3 to drivers who have to drive 3km or more to pick-up their passenger, among other measures.
This move is lauded by many, including Labour MP and adviser to the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA), Ms Yeo Wan Ling who welcomes Gojek’s decision to cut its commission rates.
“We foresee that the road to recovery during Phase 3 (Heightened Alert) and beyond will take time, and we hope that this is something that other private hire platforms can also consider to support our drivers’ livelihoods and well-being,” she added.
Extension of the COVID-19 Driver Relief Fund by three months
Drivers may be pleased to know that the COVID-19 Driver Relief Fund (CDRF) will be extended for 3 more months from July 2021. Drivers will receive $300 a month per vehicle from July over two months and $150 a month per vehicle for the 3rd month.
In a Facebook post, Ms Yeo also shared that the Government will disburse an additional $40 million to over 50,000 drivers.
Taxi operators have also pledged to continue providing rental waivers of at least $12 million for the extension period of the driver relief.
Towards better days ahead
We hope that this piece of good news will bring some cheer to our drivers even as it was announced that dining-in will resume for 2 pax from today (21 Jun)! It is with hope that business for our drivers will pick up as more people head out to dine and hang out.