Grab and GoJek in Singapore: Distributing masks and disinfectant solution to drivers, providing routes for passengers showing signs of infection

Grab drivers were reminded to “clean and disinfect vehicles more frequently and wear masks while carrying passengers.”

As Singapore is increasingly responding to the corona virus outbreak, ride-hailing companies Grab and Gojek say they are also working to prevent the spread of the disease.

Since January 29, Singapore has banned entry for Chinese passport holders issued in Hubei province and those who have recently traveled to the area to prevent the outbreak of corona virus. To date, Singapore has confirmed 10 cases of infection, all of which are Chinese citizens from Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic.

The area of ​​Singapore is only about 720 square kilometers but the city’s dense population plus the large number of tourists and the growing transportation network have created many avenues for the risk of corona virus infection.

Established after the SARS outbreak (2002-2003 outbreak) has passed, Grab and Gojek have never faced a large-scale infectious disease such as the corona epidemic originating in Wuhan. Representatives from the two companies said they contacted local officials to assist in fighting the disease, such as cooperating to find potential infected people.

Gojek is working with the authorities, with the “contact trace process” to share travel data of people who are likely to be infected, based on the Singapore Infectious Diseases Act.

Unlike traditional taxi operators, public buses and subways, app-based technology-based ride-hailing services like Gojek retain travel history, contact information and some other data. of every user.

The information above can be used to help identify passengers who may have been in and out of contact with an infected person, and also record places they have been in Singapore. Authorities believe this data can help prevent the potential spread of corona virus.

Grab and Gojek are ready to assist Singapore to prevent the corona virus outbreak.

Grab, meanwhile, said it was “ready to help reduce the spread of disease”. Grab’s spokesperson said: “Given the current corona virus situation, Grab has taken measures and improved its readiness to address potential problems due to the high volume of travel in the city. ”.

Grab drivers were reminded to “clean and disinfect vehicles more frequently and wear masks while carrying passengers.” In addition, the company also reserves masks and disinfectants to deploy when needed.

On Gojek’s side, they have started to provide surgical masks and hand sanitizers for their drivers.

As one of Asia’s financial and transportation centers, Singapore is taking advantage of mobility services to promote economic growth. In addition to the bus and metro network, technology-based ride-hailing services have also grown rapidly there since their launch in 2013. Government statistics show that as of December last year, there were 77,000 cars serve the car hire sector in the city, 4 times higher than 18,500 taxis.

According to We Are Social and Hootsuite Global Digital Report 2019, 52% of internet users in Singapore call their cars at least once a month, leading the world in using ride-hailing apps.

Similar measures have been taken by another trucking company in Singapore. Taxi and bus operators have encouraged drivers to take preventive measures such as cleaning and disinfecting their vehicles more frequently and wearing masks if there are respiratory symptoms.

Source : Techtalk