Grab Philippines, in partnership with MOVE IT for motorcycle taxi services, is set to redefine the ride-hailing industry’s approach to driver assessment, onboarding, and training. In collaboration with the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services, the platforms are pioneering a groundbreaking, evidence-based program centered on behavioral science. This initiative is tailored to improve the training and vetting processes for ride-hailing drivers, marking a significant shift toward a more data-driven, psychologically informed approach.
The partnership aims to develop a holistic framework for driver onboarding—one that considers cognitive and behavioral factors influencing driver performance. By focusing on these insights, the program seeks to introduce new tools, policies, and standards that go beyond traditional metrics like driving skills tests and police records. This shift is expected to raise the bar for ride-hailing platforms, with a deeper understanding of driver behaviors at the core of the training process.
The pilot phase of this innovative policy and process change will launch in the second quarter of 2025.
To ensure the program is rooted in research, Grab, MOVE IT, and Ateneo are employing both qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, focus groups, and data analysis, to understand key factors shaping driver behavior. By exploring drivers’ socio-demographic backgrounds and passenger perceptions, the team aims to identify patterns that promote safety-conscious behaviors and a culture of responsibility on the road.
Grab Philippines’ Director for Mobility, EJ Dela Vega, emphasized the company’s commitment to continuous improvement: “At Grab, ‘Kaizen’—our principle of continuous improvement—drives us to innovate and enhance safety standards. Our partnership with the Ateneo Bulatao Center will not only redefine driver assessment and training, but also reinforce the values that define Grab. We’re confident this initiative will empower our driver-partners and enhance our collective commitment to safety and long-term success.”
Wayne Jacinto, General Manager of MOVE IT, underscored the importance of improving standards within the motorcycle taxi sector: “As the motorcycle taxi community grows, especially with the impending motorcycle taxi law, we remain committed to advancing safety standards in collaboration with Grab. This partnership with Ateneo demonstrates our dedication to fostering a culture of respect, responsibility, and safety on the road.”
Maria Lourdes Mesa, Director for Research at the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services, expressed her enthusiasm: “It’s exciting to see leaders in the ride-hailing industry proactively integrating behavioral science into safety protocols. By addressing psychological predispositions that may impact driver behavior, we’re taking a significant step forward in ensuring safer services for Filipino commuters. This partnership with Grab and MOVE IT is a historic milestone in enhancing the safety and security of both four- and two-wheel ride-hailing services.”
The first phase of the program, focused on data collection, is already underway across Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao, involving a diverse range of drivers and riders from both Grab and MOVE IT.