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Glitch in Grab app leaves customers, drivers frustrated

The error message (left) seen by Grab users attempting to use the app on Tuesday night and messages (right) left by frustrated drivers on Grab’s Facebook page. (PHOTOS: Facebook/Grab)
The error message (left) seen by Grab users attempting to use the app on Tuesday night and messages (right) left by frustrated drivers on Grab’s Facebook page. (PHOTOS: Facebook/Grab)

UPDATE: In an e-mail statement sent at 7am on 4 April, Grab said that its app was “down due to problems with our underlying infrastructure” and that the company’s “third-party infrastructure providers are immediately fixing the problems on their platforms”.

A glitch in the Grab ride-hailing app on Tuesday (3 April) saw customers and drivers unable to use its services, with many taking to social media to vent their frustrations.

According to social media posts, users and drivers appeared to have begun experiencing issues with the app from as early as noon on Tuesday. As of 10.20pm, the issue had not been rectified.

In a Facebook post at around 9.25pm, the company said it was “experiencing a service interruption, which may result in your Grab app not functioning as expected”.

“Our team is working hard to fix this, and we are working around the clock to resolve it. Apologies for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience,” the post added.

Yahoo News Singapore understands that a separate message was sent out to Grab drivers telling them that they “may not be able to receive or complete bookings as per normal” due to a “technical issue”.

Responding to the glitch on Grab’s Facebook page, user Alex Wee said, “Now I can’t go home! Leave uber alone now lol”.

Facebook user Larry Tan, who appeared to be a Grab driver, posted, “My car rental also running round the clock, who is going to compensate me?”

It was announced on 26 March that Uber would be selling its South-east Asian business to Grab in exchange for a 27.5 per cent stake in the latter and a seat on its board.

The Competition Commission of Singapore later said that the deal may infringe on competition rules here and that it is investigating the merger.

Related stories:

Uber selling South-east Asian business to regional rival Grab

Singapore says Uber-Grab deal may flout competition rules

Over 500 Uber staff in Singapore placed on paid leave following Grab-Uber merger