KUALA LUMPUR: Demand and availability were among the factors which led to delays in the e-hailing passenger pickup and price hikes over the past few days.
Malaysian Grab Drivers Association president Arif Asyraf Ali said the availability of drivers was a key factor in both issues.
He said if there were no drivers available in one area, one from another area would have to accept the pickup request.
“If a passenger books a ride from area B and there is no driver at that location, another driver from location A, which is far from the pickup point, has to pick up the passenger.
“Hence, the delay and passengers are forced to wait longer. Another factor that contributes to the delay is the traffic congestion at the area.
“Passengers have to understand that there were many complaints about the situation. Drivers have been trying their best to reach the location safely and on time,” he told the New Straits Times.
As for the fare hike, Arif said this was due to demand and availability of drivers, even during off-peak hours.
“Even if the pickup point is near, the fares may go up from RM5 to RM10. This is due to high demand during normal hours and fewer drivers being available during high demand.”
It was reported that e-hailing passengers in Klang Valley have been complaining about fare hikes and had to wait longer for their rides. They claimed that fares could increase as high as RM10.
E-hailing companies had previously raised concerns on the possibility of higher rates and pickup delays following the introduction of regulations that required e-hailing drivers to obtain public service vehicle (PSV) licences.
However, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the deadline for drivers to obtain the PSV licence, which was on Friday, would be extended for another three months.
Despite the deadline extension, there are still fewer e-hailing drivers on the road.
Asked if drivers who have yet to obtain the PSV licence would take up courses to obtain it, Arif assured that 50,000 Grab drivers were willing to make the effort.
“They want to take the courses and obtain the licence. But some of them can only attend the driving course next month as there is not enough space in classroom sessions to accommodate the drivers. One class can accommodate 50 drivers. Grab Malaysia has been assisting them to attend classes on weekends,” he said, adding that the drivers who have yet to obtain the licence can carry out their business as usual for the next three months.
The grace period and “softer approach” was adopted by the Transport Ministry to give more time for the e-hailing drivers to meet the necessary requirements.
During the grace period, e-hailing drivers found operating without PSV licences would be educated, given advice and a final warning to meet the requirement.