Grab launches ‘GrabAssist’ to make transport easier for people with disabilities

In partnership with the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) and Transportation for All (T4A)

Grab has launched a new service dedicated to supporting the mobility needs of people with disabilities. Called ‘GrabAssist’, this new service aims to serve the special needs of people who are wheelchair-bound, hearing-impaired or sight-impaired, enabling them to get from A to B more comfortably, and empowering them to be able to live independently.

Tarin Thaniyavarn, Country Head of Grab Thailand said GrabAssist was launched as part of The International Disabilities Day 2018 Opening, organized by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) to commemorate the United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Persons with Disabilities on the 3rd of December. The event was held to raise awareness on various topics related to people with disabilities and the policies to support them to live independently, which includes using public transportation with ease.

Grab has been supporting the government’s policy in increasing access to social services for people with disabilities by sending almost 60 GrabTaxi driver-partners to participate in a training that covered the needs of disabled people when it comes to public transportation, practical skills to assist people who are either wheelchair-bound, blind or deaf, basic sign language to communicate with deaf passenger on pricing, street name and destinations, and proper conversation – What are sensitive topics, what to say and what not to say.

Available in Bangkok from today, GrabAssist vehicles can accommodate foldable wheelchairs, walkers and collapsible scooters. GrabAssist drivers will have undergone required training to provide assistance to passengers with mobility challenges. GrabAssist pricing is fixed, which is displayed up front and calculated based on distance. GrabTaxi drivers are charged a lower commission rate for GrabAssist rides than usual, to reimburse them for their time spent on attending training and supporting passengers.