Cover Malaysians think of ‘Grab’ when picturing the region's top ride-booking service, but do you recognise these other transportation apps that will get you where you need to go? (Photo: Getty)
Malaysians think of ‘Grab’ when picturing the region's top ride-booking service, but do you recognise these other transportation apps that will get you where you need to go? (Photo: Getty)
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Malaysians think of ‘Grab’ when picturing the region's top ride-booking service, but do you recognise these other transportation apps that will get you where you need to go?
From carpooling to MRT and bus rides, being carless in Malaysia has its challenges, depending on where you live and what you do for a living. The increase of competitive mobile data plans coupled with an explosion in the numbers of smartphone users in the country has also seen the rise of apps that simplify our lives further, whether it be ordering food, booking a babysitter, hiring gig workers, or getting a lift when you need it most.
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While Grab offers one of the most popular e-hailing services in the region, other players have made their niche mark on the scene, from all-female platforms to ride-sharing apps and even on-demand personal drivers. Keep these apps in mind when you feel like letting someone else take the wheel.
Maxim
Kuantan-based company Maxim has been around since 2003. Passengers can choose from the economy or comfort rate on this e-hailing service and select their destinations, viewing the fixed price of fares before ordering. Customer reviews of Maxim generally agree that the fares are low compared to Grab but that there is a smaller pool of drivers to choose from, resulting in longer waiting times.
The app's features include location-sharing during the ride, viewing your Maxim driver’s location in real time on a digital map, and adding multiple phone numbers to order a car for someone else using your phone.
Kumpool
Available in Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur and Bayan Lepas in Penang, Kumpool is a ride-pooling transportation platform that allows passengers competitive prices via ride-sharing with other commuters. Targeted mainly at bus and train users, Kumpool combines bookings made within zones and groups passengers by routes based on shared pick-up and drop-off stops, allowing them the flexibility to skip unwanted visits encountered on traditional bus routes. The service targets employers, too, offering shuttle services for employees with customisable features, competitive fees and more.
AirAsia Ride
Like many other e-hailing operators, AirAsia Ride has grabbed the attention of the masses with its aggressive marketing (RM1 rides included), easy-to-use app interface, and safety features. Passengers can choose from nine categories, including Premium, Xtra, Minivan, Anyride, Ladies Only, and more and enjoy competitive fares. General user reviews have commented that booking a car using AirAsia Ride takes longer than Grab, though it is certainly more affordable for rush-hour periods. Some users have praised the feature that lets them choose the tipping amount beforehand to increase their chances of AirAsia drivers accepting bookings faster.
Buddy Driver
Have your own car at home but not in the mood to drive? A new service offered by SoCar via the popular car-sharing app Trevo, Buddy Driver is a personal driver service that lets you hire vetted, experienced drivers to shuttle you around in your own car for rates starting from RM50 an hour. From hiring a driver to chauffeur you back to your home safely after a fun night out to letting an experienced driver take the wheel when you're exhausted or having trouble seeing properly at night, Buddy Driver is a compelling addition to the car-sharing services sector.
Riding Pink
Touted as Malaysia’s first all-female ride app, Riding Pink aims to provide safe ride solutions for women and children via a platform that empowers female drivers with income opportunities. The app highlights include fixed ride fares when you pre-book (under certain conditions), recurring rides to pick up kids, and more. The app was started in 2016 in response to the increased prevalence of harassment against women that came with the growth of e-hailing options at the time.
Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
