Grab Philippines said it plans to double the number of its women drivers by end-2024 after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced the opening of additional 10,000 transport network vehicle service (TNVS) slots.
“As we embrace this new chapter, Grab Philippines is excited to work alongside the LTFRB, our drivers, and the community to realize the full potential of the TNVS sector,” Grab said in a statement.
Grab said it is committed to supporting women drivers through targeted programs, training and community building initiatives.
“We are committed to leveraging technology and innovation to deliver safe, reliable, and convenient transportation options, while contributing to the country’s economic growth and supporting the empowerment of women in the workforce,” it said.
The move signifies a significant step toward a more inclusive, dynamic and robust transportation sector in the Philippines, the transport provider said.
“The LTFRB’s decision aligns with our commitment to expanding economic opportunities, enhancing public convenience, and driving sustainable urban development,” Grab said.
It said the expansion acknowledges the TNVS industry’s potential as a key economic driver and aims to leverage technology and mobility to stimulate broader economic growth, create jobs and foster innovation within the Philippine economy.
Dr. Thomas G. Aquino, a transport economics specialist and senior fellow at the University of the Asia & Pacific-Center for Research and Communications, said, “the contribution of growth-inducing digital platforms [like ride-hailing] to downstream and upstream productive sectors as well as households, is definitely positive and can be expected to grow.”
Grab said that by welcoming new competitors and more driver-partners, the industry sets the stage for a more competitive and customer-centric market, benefiting commuters, drivers and the overall economy.