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Grab to launch new street-hailing service GrabCab, amongst updates like group rides and added insurance

The ride-hailing company becomes Singapore’s sixth taxi operator

Joycelyn Yeow
Written by
Joycelyn Yeow
Senior Lifestyle Writer
GrabCab
Photograph: Shutterstock
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Getting around Singapore is a breeze, thanks to our top-notch public transport system and a variety of ride-hailing platforms – including the newly launched Geolah, which hit the streets in February 2025. And now, here’s the latest news: To offer passengers more options and create additional job opportunities for drivers, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has granted Grab a street-hail operator licence. The licence applies to GrabCab, a subsidiary of GrabRentals, and will be valid for ten years starting April 9, 2025.

GrabCab taxis are required by LTA to be easily identifiable, sporting a distinctive rooftop sign and paint scheme. Fare-wise, GrabCab will follow the same pricing structure as other street-hailing operators.

There’s no official launch date for GrabCab just yet, but Grab started recruiting GrabCab drivers on April 2, 2025.

While we wait for the rollout, here are some other new features Grab has introduced that you might not know about. Group rides were launched in March 2024, allowing users to invite up to three friends on a shared ride. Not to be confused with GrabShare, this new function allows you to choose between a group departure, with the same pick-up point and different drop-off points, or a group arrival, with different pick-up points and the same drop-off point. Grab will suggest the best route based on the added stops. Every user can conveniently track their journey on their respective phones, so you no longer have to constantly text your friend to check on the car’s location. Grab shared that future updates could potentially include an automatic bill-splitting feature too. 

Another recent addition for Singapore users is Ride Cover Plus, offering passengers accident insurance coverage for 24 hours after their ride ends – at a cost of less than 5 percent of the fare.

And here’s a noteworthy update, especially for female drivers: Grab has rolled out the Women Passengers Preferred feature, allowing female drivers to be matched exclusively with female passengers for a peace of mind. It’s not a vice versa situation, so passengers do not have the option of requesting a female Grab driver. 

Here’s to smoother, more seamless, and – hopefully – more affordable rides around Singapore.

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