Allow me to express my sentiments as a regular Metro Manila commuter…
First of all, I consider myself as a Grab suki. For me, it’s the most ideal means of transport when in Manila. From GrabTaxi, GrabCar (sedan & premium), Grab Express (for delivery of documents) and GrabBike, name it, I’ve tried them all! GrabHeli nalang ang next goal. =P
photo from my recent GrabCar trip
Ever since the LTFRB ordered the suspension of GrabBike late last month, it has been difficult for me to travel around BGC and Makati area efficiently. Despite the availability of both GrabTaxi and GrabCar in these areas, I still find GrabBike’s service faster and of course, way more affordable especially when I’m in “tipid mode” while waiting for payday. #alammoyan
If you’re also a commuter who works in BGC, I’m sure you’re familiar with the “habal-habal” motorcycle service as well. However, these regular motorcycles aren’t as safe as GrabBike, since they lack a lot of things like passenger insurance and a secure safety helmet to name a few.
Haaaaaaay … I really miss GrabBike. Why do I miss it so much? Here are 5 things I love about it:
5. They have well-trained professional drivers
(photo credits: Grab Facebook page)
One of the main reasons why I became a loyal Grab rider (even without promo codes) is because I find their drivers very friendly and polite. I heard that GrabBike applicants go through strict screening and training before they get approved. I’ve been using Grab for almost a year now, and all my rides (both GrabTaxi, GrabCar & GrabBike) have been pleasant. Far different from the rude and “choosy” white taxi drivers with stinky units. Ugh!! So frustrating! The LTFRB should focus on them instead! Agree???
4. They provide legit safety gear
(photo credits: twitter.com/airopotato)
As compared to the regular habal-habal motorcycle service available around BGC, I prefer riding GrabBike, ‘coz they provide each passenger with a full hard safety helmet, a head cap and even a mask to prevent riders from inhaling a lot of pollution. When I tried GrabBike for the first time and experienced these added health and safety features, I felt really impressed and became an instant fan!
3. They offer fixed affordable rates
(photo credits: Grab Facebook page)
Whenever I don’t carry a lot of stuff, I prefer GrabBike since it’s way faster and more tipid than taking a cab. During rush hour, I get to pay only around P50 from Bonifacio High Street to Shell Gas Station, Edsa (near Ayala MRT station) for a trip which takes only less than 10 minutes. If I take a cab, I would be paying over a hundred pesos, plus the trip will take at least an hour, since it’s super slow moving along McKinley Ave! If you’re also a BGC commuter, I know you can relate to this.
2. Passengers are insured
Even actress Nadine Lustre was spotted using GrabBike! My Ghaaaad!!!! Sya nga nag-GrabBike, ikaw pa ba??
Yes! Aside from professional well-trained drivers and legit safety gears, GrabBike passengers are also insured for added security. So, no matter how short the distance is, you are guaranteed to have insurance with every Grab ride. Safe ka na, nakatipid ka pa!
1. It gets me where I need to be, on time
For me, GrabBike is the most effective and affordable way to save myself from the day to day “carmageddon” that we, working class people need to endure. I’m so sick of it. I bet you are too!
Nooooooooooo!!!!!!
(Photo credits: Jim Bryan Hernando)
Even former Senator Migz Zubiri shared his “fast and fun” GrabBike experience while on his way to a radio station
(photo credits: politics.com.ph)
During the peak of the metro traffic last December, going to Makati from BGC would take me at least a freakin’ hour!!! But thanks to GrabBike, I’m able to reach my destination in only around 10-15 mins, for only less than P80. It was actually during this time, when I realized how important GrabBike was: useful, affordable and efficient!
Here’s a video of a guy named Wil Dasovich who documented his GrabBike experience (not a paid ad) ….
I REALLY REALLY hope the LTFRB will lift the suspension soon! I heard that GrabBike is already so popular in neighbouring countries like Indonesia and Thailand, where traffic is also a big problem. I remember taking this service when I visited Bangkok last year, and it surely was helpful!
Please LTFRB, Bring Back GrabBike!!!! Ooooh! Sounds like a nice new hashtag! OK fine, #BringBackGrabBike it is!!!
Are you also a regular GrabBike rider or know someone perhaps? I hope you can share your testimonial by leaving a comment below, so more people as well as the LTFRB officials would get to read it!
Let’s get the word around and use the hashtag #BringBackGrabBike shall we??
Grab riders unite! Kaya natin to!!
