Gojek announces measures to support drivers

Ride-hailing firm Gojek will extend commission rebates to its drivers in line with the extended circuit breaker measures till 1 June 2020 and will give out $50 grocery vouchers to more than 600 drivers.

But the company did not give a detailed update on whether discounts on rentals - which account for a major part of the drivers' costs - will continue past the original 4 May deadline.

When questioned about the issue on 30 April 2020, a spokesman told The Straits Times, "The company will continue to review and look at ways to enhance its current support measures."

Gojek had earlier worked with partner rental firms to offer discounts of up to 60% to help drivers whose earnings have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Taxi operators ComfortDelGro and SMRT have committed to giving their drivers free rental for the next month, with the firms absorbing the cost of $17 million and $6 million respectively. Meanwhile, ride-hailing operator Grab said it will offer drivers two days of free rent weekly from 4 May 2020 till the end of May.

It said this will allow drivers to save up to 30% in rental fees. But Grab had also warned that it might be unable to provide additional financial support if the circuit breaker measures extend beyond 1 June 2020.

In an earlier statement on 30 April 2020, Gojek said its drivers will get rebates between 60% and 100% for their commission fees till 1 June 2020. The commission fee is usually 20% of the fare that a driver earns.

Gojek will also give out more than $30,000 in FairPrice Online e-vouchers to help eligible drivers with living expenses.

Gojek Singapore's General Manager Lien Choong Luen said, "We understand that it's been challenging for private-hire drivers, whose earnings have been affected by reduced demand. We will continue to find ways to look after our driver-partners and ensure they can support themselves and their families through this period."