Grab launches new ride-sharing service

Grab Philippines launched its new ride-sharing service, GrabShare, to keep its dominance in the ride-hailing industry.

"GrabShare is now opened up to all passengers, and 2017 will be a very exciting year for Grab," Grab Managing Director Brian Cu said during the GrabShare launch in Taguig City on Thursday.

With GrabShare, passengers will be able to share their Grab vehicle with one more application user who will also be allowed to bring "one tag-along," according to the company.

"It's cheaper, but still provides quality service of a GrabCar," Cu said, noting that users will be able to save as much as 30 percent from normal GrabCar rides.

The launch was delayed as the company wanted to "ensure safety and reliability," Cu noted.

Main competitor Uber launched a similar service, UberPool, last year.

Cu noted, however, that GrabShare will only allow one additional stop, compared with the Uber's maximum of three additional stops.

Grab is currently available in Manila, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Baguio and Cagayan de Oro. — VDS, GMA News