What happens when the CEO of a major tech company decides to hit the streets as a regular Grab driver? Anthony Tan, Grab’s Group CEO and co-founder, recently found out firsthand. In a refreshing departure from the boardroom, Tan got behind the wheel, picking up passengers and taking notes—not from his desk but directly from the driver’s seat.
In a candid vlog, Tan shared his experience of what it’s really like to be a Grab driver, offering insights into both the good and the not-so-good aspects of the platform from a driver’s perspective. As someone who’s always on the lookout for ways to improve Grab, Tan’s drive was about more than just shuttling passengers—it was about getting real, unfiltered feedback from those who rely on the app every day.
Grab Faces Long Pick-Up Challenges
During his shift, Tan got a firsthand look at one of the more frustrating challenges passengers face—driver cancellations. One of his passengers mentioned that drivers often cancel when the pick-up point is far away. Tan, always the problem-solver, admitted this is a known issue but was quick to point out that Grab has already started tackling it.
They’ve introduced a new fare structure that compensates drivers from the moment they accept a booking, not just when they pick up the passenger. This change has boosted driver acceptance rates for longer-distance rides, though Tan made it clear that this is something they’ll continue fine-tuning.
GrabMaps: Almost There, But Not Quite
Tan also got to experience GrabMaps, Grab’s in-house navigation system. While he found it generally smooth and easy to use, there were a few hiccups, particularly in low-signal areas like tunnels. It’s not a deal-breaker, but Tan noted that improving performance in these dead zones would make a big difference for drivers who rely on the maps to stay on track.
Fast and Premium
On the flip side, Tan got some great feedback on GrabCar Premium. One of his passengers was in a hurry and praised the service for being fast and reliable. This is exactly what Grab Premium is designed for—when people need to get somewhere quickly without any hassle. For Tan, this was a nice validation that Grab’s premium services are hitting the mark.
A New Appreciation for Grab Drivers
Perhaps the most eye-opening part of Tan’s stint as a driver was realizing just how tough the job can be. Sitting for hours, staying alert, and managing back-to-back rides isn’t easy. Tan walked away with a renewed respect for the drivers who spend their days on the road. “It’s not easy being a driver,” he reflected, urging passengers to show more kindness and patience toward those behind the wheel.
A Hands-On CEO
Tan’s approach to leadership is anything but conventional, and that’s exactly what makes it work. By getting out on the road and experiencing Grab from a driver’s point of view, he’s not just sitting back and listening to feedback—he’s living it. And whether it’s tweaking the app’s performance or encouraging a more empathetic attitude from passengers, Tan is clearly committed to making Grab better for everyone involved.
In the end, Tan’s day as a driver wasn’t just about gathering insights—it was about staying connected to the very people who power Grab, both drivers and passengers alike. And for a company as massive as Grab, having a CEO who’s willing to get behind the wheel makes all the difference.
Source: Anthony Tan/Linkedin
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