Driver beaten up by passengers on PIE: Grab bans user who made booking, condemns violence
Ride-hailing platform Grab is assisting a private-hire vehicle (PHV) driver who was allegedly assaulted by his passengers along the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) on July 4.
Police are investigating the incident that occurred on the PIE towards Tuas sometime after 3am.
Stomper Wind told Stomp that he had tried to stop a fight between two men, only for them to turn on him after he refused to continue the journey.
In response to a Stomp query, a Grab spokesperson said on July 9: "We are aware of the incident involving our driver-partner, who was injured while attempting to intervene in a dispute between two passengers.
"We appreciate his intention to help de-escalate the situation. We are assisting him with his insurance claim and any additional assistance required."
The spokesperson said Grab does not tolerate any form of violence or abusive behaviour, adding: "The safety and wellbeing of our driver-partners and users are our highest priority.
"Due to the display of violent behaviour, the passenger who made the booking has been permanently banned from our platform."
Driver-partners are strongly advised to prioritise their own safety in situations involving conflict or aggression.
"Grab's in-app Emergency SOS button is available to both drivers and passengers, and can be used to request emergency assistance from Grab's Incidence Response Team, as well as notify pre-saved emergency contacts," said the spokesperson.
"We take incidents like this very seriously and are committed to working closely with the relevant authorities as investigations progress.
"At the same time, we will continue to review and strengthen our internal processes to offer more immediate assistance to driver-partners should similar incidents occur."
Following the incident, Wind was taken to hospital and shared photos of his injuries - including a nose fracture and a blood clot in one ear - with Stomp.
While recounting his ordeal, the 48-year-old highlighted his helplessness and said: "Being a PHV driver really sucks."
He told Stomp on July 10 that he would be returning to work after visiting the police station at 2pm to give a statement.
