Less than a week after Gojek denied that it was planning to merge with Grab, the ride-hailing company has announced that their trips will be pricier by 70 cents.
While reports of the possible merger – which prompted concerns among netizens of a price hike – were refuted, it looks like the price hike will happen anyway, according to The Straits Times.
The additional amount, which will be automatically added to the fare on the Gojek app, will be charged from 9 Mar.
As to what the company will do with the extra money collected, Gojek was quoted by The Straits Times on Monday (2 Mar) as saying that it,
…will go directly towards initiatives designed to improve the experience for customers and driver-partners, so that they can have even more reliable, safe and enjoyable rides.
There was no word on what exactly the initiatives would be, but MS News will be sure to provide updates when they are revealed.
Another update to the app will perhaps be better received by riders. It will be in the form of an additional destination being allowed in the same booking, such that the ride can have 2 drop-off points.
However, Gojek has not announced when this feature will be implemented. It did say, though, that it would provide greater convenience to customers.
Drivers will benefit, too, from being made aware of the extra drop-off point beforehand. The higher earnings from trips with more than one destination may also lead to happier drivers.
Speaking of drivers, disgruntled passengers may take heart that their poor ratings may help unsatisfactory drivers get their act together.
Drivers who get many poor ratings may need to be trained in customer service as part of a new assessment and training programme by Gojek.
The company has said that this would boost passengers’ experience.
While nobody likes to pay more for their rides, we think it would be acceptable if the increased revenue is put to good use.
We’re hopeful that the ride-hailing experience will indeed be improved with these new measures. Till then, we have until the end of this week before the prices go up!
Featured image adapted from mobi health news.
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