Forum: Unfair for drivers to be banned over software glitch

I am writing to highlight a technical discrepancy within the Grab platform that has led to the permanent banning of several GrabHitch drivers, including me.

I have been a registered GrabHitch driver since June 2025, having previously served as a full-time private hire vehicle (PHV) driver. From late 2025, a recurring glitch in the Grab app began prompting me to accept “on-demand” rides near my location – a feature that should technically be available only to full-time PHV drivers, not GrabHitch drivers.

To maintain my service ratings and assuming these were legitimate prompts from the system to fill a shortage of drivers, I accepted some of these rides.

Consequently, Grab permanently banned my account. Despite explaining that I did not use any unauthorised software or “hacks” to manipulate the system, the ban remains.

This appears to be an internal technical or administrative error where the platform incorrectly bridged the GrabHitch and PHV interfaces. Grab shouldn’t be unfairly penalising drivers for what is essentially a software oversight.

Most GrabHitch drivers are not looking for commercial gain. We use the platform to offset the surge in petrol prices and vehicle overheads while commuting.

I urge Grab to investigate these technical prompts and reconsider the status of affected drivers.

Gregory Quek