How Grab rides will be once operations resume

Grab Philippines on Thursday announced new policies to be implemented in line with health measures to prevent the coronavirus pandemic, once public transport is allowed to resume operations.

In a statement, Grab said each GrabCar will only have a maximum seating capacity of two passengers, each will sit close to the windows at the back of the vehicle.

"Following the public health situation on COVID-19, Grab Philippines is doubling down on its safety and hygiene standards to minimize risks of the spread of COVID-19 for its mobility service," it said.

In the same statement, Grab announced the following policies:

•     Grab services to be simplified to either GrabPay or payment through credit or debit cards;
•     Driver-partners and passengers required to wear facemasks at all times;
•     Driver-partners required to disinfect vehicles at the end of every trip;
•     Each vehicle to have a non-permeable acetate barrier between the passengers and driver-partner;
•     Passengers not allowed to book for others except in cases of emergency;
•     Driver-partners required to open and close the doors for passengers and passengers not allowed to open the doors themselves;
•     Eating and drinking not allowed inside the car;
•     Only public health vehicles allowed to transport COVID-19 positive individuals.

According to Grab, all passengers will also receive a notification reminding them of the proper safety and hygiene protocol every time a booking is made.

In the same statement, Grab said that both drivers and passengers can cancel the booking without penalty before the ride starts, if the other party failed to show up wearing a mask.

"Grab will investigate accounts that have received such feedback multiple times," it said.

Metro Manila and other "high-risk" areas have been on lockdown since March 17. A modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) has been placed from May 15 to last until May 31, paving the way for more businesses to reopen.—AOL, GMA News