Grab has started piloting on-demand bus services in southern Vietnam as part of ongoing efforts to build its super-app ecosystem in the country.
The pilot follows the recent rollout of GrabKitchen, thus marking the ride-hailing giant’s aggressive push in Vietnam.
According to a statement by Grab, beginning today, customers from Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau can book bus tickets for the inter-provincial route from Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau. The service, which runs 24 daily trips, will be operated by local bus provider Avigo.
Before the end of this year, the pilot scheme will be extended to an inter-city route connecting District 7 and District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, operated by local partner and bus service operator City View.
Customers using the Grab app can select the ride, preview route details and update the vehicle’s location anytime in addition to making payments via e-wallet Moca on Grab and other cashless payment methods. Grab is also looking to partner with other bus transportation companies, which in return can reach more customers that are accustomed to booking via the Grab platform.
After the pilot, Grab is expected to officially launch a marketplace for bus travels that will cater to mass-market consumers. The company first mentioned this when announced its USD 500 million investment in Vietnam back in August.