Grab Vietnam responds as drivers call for app blackout over low pay

A Grab representative told Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper on Saturday that the platform was operating normally and that the ride-hailing company was monitoring the situation and sending recommendations to drivers.

The clarification comes after online groups of Grab drivers encouraged each other to switch off the app on September 12-13 to protest fares, fees, and take-home income they said were inadequate.

In one example, a driver received VND46,900 (US$1.8) for a trip covering 18.5 kilometers.

Grab acknowledged the situation but said some information circulating online was inaccurate and that some posts had even impersonated the company, prompting concerns among drivers that temporarily stopping work could affect their accounts.

Grab Vietnam issued two notices to clarify its policies.

First, drivers will not be penalized or have accounts disabled simply for choosing not to operate.

Accounts are only suspended if drivers violate laws or Grab’s code of conduct.

Long-term inactive accounts may require re-verification before resuming work.

Second, Grab warned that accounts placing fake ride or food orders to disrupt operations could be suspended.

Drivers encountering suspicious or disruptive orders are encouraged to report them via the Grab Driver app’s help center or online forms.

Grab also reassured drivers that any disruptions caused by fake bookings or external incidents would not affect their performance metrics or rewards once verified.

Grab has not disclosed how many drivers have encountered fake rides or orders or how many accounts have been handled in connection with such incidents.

On Saturday, Grab’s services in Ho Chi Minh City and other areas continued normally, though passengers in some locations experienced longer wait times.

Prolonged downpours in the city that afternoon may also have contributed to delays.