No more uncomfortable small talks, just drive - Grab testing out Quiet Ride to reduce interaction between driver and passenger

Grab is currently toying with the idea of introducing a ‘Quiet Ride’ feature to their e-hailing platform. The e-hailing company will start trials for ‘Quiet Ride’ starting on 7-October-2022.

For the trial, certain users will be sent an automated message in the GrabChat after securing an e-hailing booking explaining to them what Quiet Ride is and whether they would like to opt for the quieter journey.

Those who wish for a conversation-free ride just need to reply ‘Quiet’ into the GrabChat.

Note that we say ‘quieter’ because Grab drivers will still need to ask the necessary questions such as the passenger’s route preferences, air-conditioner settings, or even music playback. Other than that, the journey will be completed conversation free for the most part.

According to Grab’s official release, the e-hailing service provider came up with the idea as they understand that conversations during a ride can get awkward and stressful for both passengers and the driver.

As such, they hope that the new feature will minimise the awkwardness and improve the passenger’s experience as well as their drive-partners.

As mentioned, trials for the Quiet Ride function will commence on 7-October-2022 but Grab did not specify how long the trials will take place nor whether it will be a permanent fixture in the service should they deem it successful.

According to a Says report, Grab had previously tried conducting trials for the Quiet Ride function before this. However, things went under the radar and it sounded like the trials didn’t take off as planned.

From what we understand, Grab has yet to make the feature permanent in countries where the service has conducted the same Quiet Ride trials in such as the Philippines and Vietnam.

Also read: To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Grab presents itself with a new 9-storey HQ in Singapore