How a simple chat feature changed the way we ride

 

The idea was beautifully simple. Our team at Grab is always looking at ways to not only improve the overall user experience of our app but to also innovate with features that would change our passengers’ riding experience. We wanted to improve communication between passengers and drivers, hence the idea of GrabChat was born. Malaysians also spend lots of time texting on their phones – so why not give them a chat feature within the Grab app? Ever since launching GrabChat in October 2016, our humble messaging function has exploded with 78 million messages traded across the region.

 

Because You Get To The Point. Fast.

Why call the driver if you can send him a quick text? The average length for each GrabChat message is four words with succinct phrases like “Stuck in traffic” or “OTW” being the most popular. Busy commuters favour sharp and direct communication – making text perfect. Over here in our sunny island, “I’m coming down” was an unusually popular phrase – perhaps reflecting how high-rise buildings are a key part of our city-state’s landscape.

 

Because Small Savings Are Always Big

Early on, we noticed that telco companies in certain countries charged for calls or SMSes made to phones on a different network. Travellers in Southeast Asia were also incurring expensive international roaming charges when calling their Grab drivers. GrabChat eliminates such fees as users don’t have to leave the app to communicate. To date, we estimate total savings approaching US$1 million in local SMS charges alone across the region.

Because It’s So Much Easier To Connect

Our pre-set messages can be sent in a second and are especially hot among drivers, accounting for over 50% of their messages. Tapping on a template like “I’ll be there in a few mins” is a small innovation, but it takes a huge mental load off busy drivers who don’t have time to text while navigating traffic – and lessens their distractions on the road. For passengers too, triggering a template like ‘Can you wait for 5 mins?’ may be all you need to get your driver to stay put while you send off that last e-mail at work. What happens at the end of your ride? All GrabChat messages are wiped from your phone and the drivers’. He speeds off with no record of the conversation.

It’s faster, secure and with cost savings to boot! We’d tell you more, or we could just show you instead. Update your app to the latest version now to enjoy GrabChat now.

 

GrabChat is an in-app messaging feature that lets you communicate with your driver without incurring SMS or phone charges. Your number is not revealed and all message history is erased once you alight from the vehicle to safeguard your privacy. Give it a go!

Enjoy 9% (RM8) Rebate at
AEON

  • Valid from 15 Jan 2022 – 28 Feb 2022
  • Minimum spend: RM88
  • Limited to 62,500 redemptions 
  • TWO(2) redemptions per user throughout the campaign

1. Campaign period is from 15 January 2022 (12:00am) – 28 February 2022 (11.59pm).
2. GrabPay users are eligible for a “RM8 rebate” in your “My Rewards” when you spend a minimum of RM88 on a single receipt via GrabPay Wallet.
3. The offer of “RM8 rebate” is limited to a total of 62,500 redemptions throughout the campaign period.
4. Offer is valid for TWO (2) in-store redemptions with a cap of ONE(1) redemption per user per day throughout the campaign. Shared across AEON Co, AEON BiG, AEON MaxValu Prime, and AEON Wellness throughout the campaign period. 
5. The “RM8 rebate” will be awarded instantly with a minimum transaction of RM88 with GrabPay at all outlets of AEON Co, AEON BiG, AEON MaxValu Prime, AEON Wellness; The rebate can be found under “My Rewards”. Rebate must be redeemed by clicking “use now” under “My Rewards” 30 days from the date of issuance.
6. The campaign will cease once all redemptions have been fully awarded or at the expiration of the campaign period, whichever is earlier.
7. Offer is based on a first come first served and while stocks last basis only.
8. Grab and AEON Group shall not be under any obligation to inform users, on any communication channels once the offer has been fully redeemed.
9. Offer is only available for AEON Co, AEON BiG, AEON MaxValu Prime, and AEON Wellness physical stores purchases at cashier counter only via GrabPay Wallet; offer is not applicable for online or GrabMart purchases.
10. Offer is not exchangeable for cash or replacements.
11. Offer is not valid with any other voucher, discount or promotion.
12. Grab and AEON Group reserve the right to alter, extend or terminate the promotion, or amend the terms and conditions at its sole discretion at any time without prior notice. In case of any disputes directly or indirectly arising from the promotion, the decision of Grab and AEON Group shall be final.
13. These terms and conditions shall be governed by the laws of Malaysia and any dispute arising out of or in connection with promotion shall be referred to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts of Malaysia.
14. This rebate is non-transferable to any party.