Google Maps dedicated a tab with information for ride services allowing users to obtain information like price and ride duration estimates when requesting directions if app of the respective cab service is installed. Introduced in November 2014, it integrated Uber in Google Maps globally. Then earlier this year, it collaborated with more ride haling services namely Ola Cabs, 99 Taxis And Mytaxi among others. And now the app will offer Grab and Go Jek as part of the public transport options in the tab. Looks like the anti-uber alliance is earning points everywhere!
The app will display estimated pickup times, journey times and fares for GrabTaxi, GrabCar and GrabBike. This will give a customer the ability to compare and decide between walking, talking public transportation or hailing a Grab.
Google Maps has been helping people navigate the world for over a decade, and we’re excited to be able to make Southeast Asia more accessible through Grab’s affordable, on-demand local transport options.
Grab mentioned in its blog post.
Selecting one of the Grab ride options on Google Maps will directly open Grab app with pre-filled journey information, allowing users to simply book a ride with the tap of a button. If you don’t already have the Grab app, you’ll be first asked to install it from the App Store or Google Play Store. Grab’s service on the Google Maps app will be rolling out in August and available on Android and iOS mobile devices in 24 cities across 6 Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
Uber has been strategically trying to up its game in Southeast Asia now that it has exited China following its acquisition by Didi Chuxing. There has been a tiff war going on between the cab aggregators since Uber stepped into the Chinese Market. How Grab plans to dominate the Southeast Asian market is yet to be seen.
Meanwhile Go-Jek, a leading motorbike on-demand service in Indonesia, raised $550 million with an aim to expand in Southeast Asia. This is the first official step in affirming its notions and might prove beneficial for the company.
