Hanoi ride-hailing services struggle to cope with Tet demand
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Hanoians are struggling to book ride-hailing and delivery services during the runup to Tet (Lunar New Year holidays).
Hoang Viet of Nam Tu Liem District had an interminable wait before he could get a motorbike on a ride-hailing app on January 15 evening.
He said: “The apps kept saying all drivers nearby were busy. It took me nearly an hour for a motorbike driver to accept my trip.”
On the morning of January 16, Nguyen Linh of Tay Ho District had to wait longer than usual to get a GrabCar and the fare had nearly doubled from just a few days ago.
On January 15 morning, Phuong Anh, who sells Tet gifts, could not find drivers to deliver goods to her customers though fares were higher than usual amid.
Seeing the surging demand, more ride-hailing and delivery firms have decided to apply surcharges during Tet, Vietnam’s biggest festival, which this year is celebrated from January 20-26.
Grab has a surcharge of VND5,000 ($0.21) on motorbike rides and delivery orders and VND15,000 on taxi rides.
Other ride-hailing companies Be and Gojek charge VND5,000-20,000 extra, and delivery service provider Baemin charges VND10,000.
Questions & Answers
Q.What kind of surcharges are ride-hailing and delivery firms implementing for the Tet holiday period?
What kind of surcharges are ride-hailing and delivery firms implementing for the Tet holiday period?
Grab is adding VND5,000 for motorbike rides and deliveries, and VND15,000 for taxi rides. Other companies like Be and Gojek are charging VND5,000-20,000 extra, while Baemin charges VND10,000.
Q.What specific issues are customers experiencing with ride-hailing and delivery services during this time?
What specific issues are customers experiencing with ride-hailing and delivery services during this time?
Customers are facing long waits for services and struggling to find available drivers. Fares have also significantly increased, with one user reporting a nearly doubled fare compared to just a few days prior.
Q.When are the Tet holidays being celebrated this year, according to the article?
When are the Tet holidays being celebrated this year, according to the article?
This year, the Tet holidays, also known as Lunar New Year, are being celebrated from January 20th to January 26th. This is Vietnam's biggest festival.