Grab VS Uber: The battle of the deals

For the past few weeks, consumers have been spoilt for choice - Grab, or Uber?

Both these online transportation network companies have been offering a fair number of deals to users.

GRAB

A screenshot of the Grab mobile app. 

A campaign was launched on Aug 12, through which riders can use the GrabHitch service for only $2.

This promotion can be used twice a day, and can be used one last time this Friday (Sept 2) (promo code: HITCHFRIENDS).

GrabHitch is a carpooling service launched last November that pairs customers with riders going in the same direction, to make the rides more affordable.

Grab launched another promotion this week for night riders, where users can get $5 off GrabCar rides between 7pm to 11pm.

This deal is available from Monday (Aug 29) to Friday (Sep 1), using the promo code NIGHT.

The company also launched a GrabTaxi promotion this week, which waives booking fees for all weekday standard taxi rides booked via the app.

This means passengers will get a discount of $3 from their rides by using the promo code NOBKFREE.

The promotion ends on Sept 9 and is limited to 2,000 redemptions per day.

Head of Grab Singapore Lim Kell Jay told The New Paper: "We are constantly looking at ways to engage and delight Grab users through seasonal promotions, social contests and creative campaigns."

Some examples he mentioned include its One Map to Grab 'em All map to guide Pokémon fans in Singapore to complete their Pokédex, and GrabDurian, a one-day durian on-demand promo to satisfy Singaporeans' love for durian.

"We plan to keep tailoring our campaigns to suit local preferences and interests."

Mr Lim said there has been a significant increase in the number of GrabHitch drivers who are open to giving fellow commuters a lift on their way to work or home.

UBER

A screenshot of the Uber mobile app. TNP PHOTOS: IFFAH DURRAH KAJAI

Last month, Uber Singapore launched uberPOOL, a car-sharing service between riders going in the same direction.

The service was previously available in 18 cities globally, including New York, Los Angeles, Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai.

On Aug 5, Uber launched an uberPOOL deal, which allows riders to use the service for $5 from 7am to 12am using a promo code.

This week, Uber launched its new $5 uberPOOL deal.

Customers just have to apply the POOL2HOME code into the Promotions tab inside their apps to travel back home for only $5.

This promotion will be valid from Monday (Aug 29) to Friday (Sept 2) this week, from 5pm to 7pm.

Research analyst Shekhar Jaiswal said: "It's all about trying to capture market shares and building a patronage here.

"From my ground checks, I noticed that there are more Grab drivers than Uber drivers in Singapore."

Miss Felicia Neo, 28, uses both the Grab and Uber apps.

"I don't have a preference. For me, it just depends on whichever is cheaper at the time I'm booking."

The flight stewardess said she has used some of the promotions before, including Uber's airport promotions.

"I like using these apps to book rides because there are no midnight charges or extra fees for airport pick-ups," said Miss Neo.

Associate Professor Lee Der Horng, a transport researcher at the National University of Singapore, said: "Consumer behaviours are always changing. When there are incentives in place, people will respond, but once there are no more incentives, they will go back to the old ways of public transport and normal taxis."

Dr Lee added: "The most fundamental question for Grab and Uber is: Will this method (of providing incentives) be sustainable for the future?"