Grab is Making It More Expensive to Ride When Stuck in Traffic
If you frequently take Grab rides in Malaysia, you need to be aware of this as it’s going to be noticeably more expensive during peak hours.
Grab Makes Fare Structure Changes for Peak Hours
Grab has announced an increase in peak hour fares for its e-hailing service in the Klang Valley, effective 16th January 2023. The change aims to provide fairer compensation for its driver-partners during high traffic periods by basing fares more on the time spent on the ride and less on distance.
Specifically, the fare per minute rate has increased from RM 0.20 to RM 0.43 and the fare per km has decreased from RM 0.70 to RM 0.25, ensuring that overall fare levels remain roughly the same during regular hours but gradually increase during peak hours.
| Fare Component | Current | New |
| Fare Per Minute | RM0.20 | RM0.43 |
| Fare Per KM | RM0.70 | RM0.25 |
| Base Fare | RM2.00 | RM2.00 |
| Minimum Fare | RM5.00 | RM5.00 |
Based on information on Grab’s FAQ page, we found the formula they used to calculate the trips. We also have examples of how the fares have changed for both peak hours and standard hours to give you a better idea:
Revised Fare for Peak Hours
- Trip Distance: 10km
- Trip Duration: 30 minutes
- Fare formula: Base fare + (trip distance x fare per km) + (trip duration x fare per minute)
- Current fare: RM15 (RM2 base fare + 10km x RM0.7 per km + 30 minutes x RM0.2 per minute)
- New fare: RM18 (RM2 base fare + 10km x RM0.25 per km + 30 minutes x RM0.43 per minute)
Revised Fare for Standard Hours
- Trip Distance: 10km
- Trip Duration: 15 minutes
- Fare formula: Base fare + (trip distance x fare per km) + (trip duration x fare per minute)
- Current fare: RM12 (RM2 base fare + 10km x RM0.7 per km + 15 minutes x RM0.2 per minute)
- New fare: RM11 (RM2 base fare + 10km x RM0.25 per km + 15 minutes x RM0.43 per minute)
| Rides Completed from 12th December 2022 to 8th January 2023 | Hourly Cashback Multiplier |
| 0 – 199 | 1.00x |
| 200 – 299 | 1.25x |
| 300 – 399 | 1.50x |
| 400 – 499 | 1.75x |
| 500 and above | 2.00x |
As for the Hourly Cashback, the cashback multiplier will be dependent on how many rides have been completed in the previous weeks. However, it’s worth noting that JustGrab to and from KLIA, MyDestination rides, and taxi driver-partners are not eligible for this incentive.
Pokdepinion: Not surprised to see this happen eventually. If you’re dependent on Grab to get you around, I would recommend just waiting it out during peak hours if you can.
