Grab to Take Trans-cab Under its Operations

Grab will acquire Trans-cab, Singapore's third-largest taxi operator with a fleet of over 2,500 vehicles. The two companies announced the move on July 20 and stated that Grab Rentals will acquire 100% of Trans-cab's shares.

"The acquisition includes Trans-cab's taxi and car rental business, as well as its maintenance workshop and fuel pump operations," they stated in a joint press release.

Subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023.

According to Jasmine Tan, general manager of Trans-cab, consumer behaviour has changed, and the company recognises the need to digitise the business. She added that the company is entering the agreement with "complete confidence that Grab will do everything possible to protect the livelihoods of our taxi drivers."

Grab plans to release an improved app that will be integrated with the mobile display units in Trans-cab taxis. The app will allow Trans-cab taxi drivers to manage their earnings and receive bookings from both the Grab platform and Trans-cab's existing call centre through a single platform, according to the company.

Trans-cab drivers who join the Grab platform will receive the same benefits as all other Grab driver-partners, such as free coverage through Grab's Personal Accident Insurance. Passengers will also benefit from Grab's larger driver pool, according to the company.