Grab’s proposed acquisition should not be allowed to proceed

I REFER to the article “Grab’s acquisition of Trans-cab would significantly reduce competition, says competition watchdog” (BT, Jul 11).

It has been clear all along to many that the the proposed acquisition should not be allowed to proceed. Too much competitive power has already been concentrated on Grab with its commanding market share.

For one thing, Grab’s surge pricing policy needs to be reviewed and regulated.

Moreover, there are some serious service shortcomings it needs to address urgently. Its training of drivers, for example, leaves much to be desired.

As a frequent traveller and Grab customer, my experience is that most Grab drivers do not bother to assist passengers with loading or unloading of luggage.

In fact, often they do not even bother to get out of their cars. They simply open the car boot from their seat and wait for the passenger to load the luggage.

Sometimes, the driver might come out of the car to open the boot, then stand there to wait for the passenger to load the bags. No help offered.

The taxi service was once one of the most regulated businesses; it is now more or less turned into a “free for all”, seemingly without a clear end-game in sight.

The government needs to take a serious look at the taxi/ride-hailing services to ensure consumers are not disadvantaged.

Ho Swee Huat