Gojek’s New “Heavy‑Hit” Pricing Hits the Streets on March 31st
Good news for your wallet? Nope! If you’ve been riding GoCar in Singapore, you’ll notice a tiny yet pesky bump in the fare starting next month. From March 31, Gojek’s shiny app will be charging a 50‑cent driver fee for trips under 10 km, and a slightly heftier 80‑cent fee for longer rides.
Below is the scoop on what’s changing and why it’s happening:
Ride‑by‑Ride Breakdown
- GoCar (standard): Launch price + 50 cents.
- GoCar Premium & XL: Launch price + 80 cents.
- Flat driver fee: 50 cents for <10 km, 80 cents for longer.
Gojek says the extra fee is a temporary perk — a “driver fee” to help driver‑partners keep their pockets a little fuller amid rising fuel prices. The fee will remain in place until May 31.
Why the Change? Mass Market Unexpected Costs
Fuel’s on a climb, especially after the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has nudged pump prices up across the globe. Fewer riders, too – post‑COVID traffic means drivers aren’t filling up their books as fast as before. Gojek claims it’s a balancing act: we “want to lift drivers up” so they can keep earning, not just risking a rose‑colored profit margin.
Other Players on the Move
And there’s no rest for the ride‑hailing realm. ComfortDelGro, Trans‑Cab, Prime Taxi, Premier Taxis, and Strides Taxi have all announced fare increases for the same month, boosting both flag‑down and metered rates.
The Sway for Customers
In the grand scheme, you still get a little sweet‑sweet: up to five GoCar trips on weekdays from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., will see a 50 % fare reduction (capped at $5). That’s our attempt to cushion the blow for loyal users.
Grab’s Takeaway
Grab’s fellow mover, a fellow “driver‑partner” champion, is also sounding a fire‑stopper note. They’re offering fuel rebates and a 5 % commission rebate for the first 199 trips in the last three months to help drivers beat the cost of living.
Meet the Drivers Behind the Change
Gojek’s general manager Lien Choong Luen summed it up: “Our partner‑drivers are the backbone of the platform. Rising pump costs hurt them, so this new fee gives them a financial buffer.” People love a good story, and this one is centered on the real people behind the wheels.
That’s the headline of the month. If you’re a Gojek rider or a taxi‑operator, keep an eye on your receipts that March 31st. And remember – a little extra guard money might help keep your driver partner alive amid a tank of rising oil. Good trip!
