Grab Philippines, in partnership with motorcycle taxi service MOVE IT, is set to redefine driver assessment, onboarding, and training processes in the ride-hailing industry.
In collaboration with the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services, Grab and MOVE IT are pioneering an evidence-based, behavior-focused approach to evaluating and training ride-hailing drivers. This initiative marks a significant shift in industry standards by incorporating psychological and cognitive assessments alongside traditional criteria such as driving skills and background checks.
The partnership aims to introduce a more holistic methodology that recognizes the behavioral factors influencing driver performance. By integrating psychological insights, the program seeks to establish a more comprehensive and data-driven framework that enhances road safety and driver professionalism.
A pilot implementation of the new policies and process improvements is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.
To ensure a research-driven approach, Grab, MOVE IT, and the Ateneo team are conducting qualitative and quantitative studies on driver behavior, socio-demographic backgrounds, and passenger perceptions. Through interviews, focus groups, and data analysis, the initiative will identify key behavioral patterns and promote a safety-first mindset among drivers.
Raising Industry Standards Through Innovation
This groundbreaking integration of psychological principles into driver evaluation and training is expected to set new industry benchmarks for safety, professionalism, and service excellence.
Grab Philippines Director for Mobility EJ Dela Vega emphasized the company’s commitment to continuous improvement: “At Grab, we are guided by the principle of ‘Kaizen,’ which emphasizes ongoing innovation. Safety and security remain at the core of our commitments, and we are constantly raising standards to ensure the best experience for our users. By collaborating with the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services, we are enhancing driver assessment and training to reinforce positive behaviors and mindsets aligned with Grab’s core values. We believe these improvements will not only contribute to our driver-partners’ long-term success but also strengthen our shared commitment to safety.”
MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto underscored the importance of advancing safety standards, particularly as the country moves closer to passing the motorcycle taxi law. “At MOVE IT, we are dedicated to continuously enhancing safety measures in partnership with Grab. With the increasing number of two-wheel riders on the road—both private and motorcycle taxi drivers—we remain steadfast in fostering a culture of respect, responsible riding, and safety for all road users. Our collaboration with the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services is a testament to this commitment.”
Maria Lourdes Mesa, Director for Research at the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “It is encouraging to see leaders in the ride-hailing industry take proactive steps toward prioritizing commuter safety. By integrating behavioral science into driver assessment processes, we are addressing psychological predispositions that may affect adherence to safety standards. We are proud to collaborate with Grab and MOVE IT on this groundbreaking initiative, strengthening the safety framework for the growing ride-hailing sector.”
The initial phase of the program—focused on research and data gathering—is currently underway in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao, engaging a diverse group of Grab and MOVE IT driver-partners.
