Starting today, rides with Grab will come with a new option called ‘carbon neutral fee‘. The new feature essentially allows passengers to offset their carbon emissions during their rides.
The technology company allows passengers to pay a nominal RM0.10 when they book any ride for the purpose of carbon offsetting through large-scale tree planting projects. The fee is entirely optional.
In Malaysia, Grab is partnering with Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre to take harmful carbon and greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere. Since January 2021, the tree-planting conservation NGO has planted over 31,000 rainforest tree seedlings in Perak that will help with the absorption of greenhouse gases.
Grab also clarify that 20% of the 10 sen-fee will go towards administrative purposes, such as taxation charges and fluctuations of offset prices. Any unused portion will be utilised by Grab for the purpose of purchasing additional trees.
The move to offer the ‘carbon neutral fee’ option is part of the company’s plans to operate cleaner under their “2030 Transport Sustainability Goal”. As one of its first steps, this ‘carbon neutral fee’ under the Green Programme is being rolled out today in Singapore and Malaysia together with Thailand and Indonesia.
In Singapore, users can also select vehicles that emit low or zero emissions (hybrid or fully electric vehicles) under the JustGrab Green category. Popular vehicles such as Toyota Prius, Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro Hybrid will provide mobility services in this new category. Drivers can also rent these vehicles under the GrabRentals business unit.
The technology company is also increasing more activities with their strategic partner, Hyundai Motor Group, to accelerate the adoption of EV in the ASEAN region. Pilot programmes such as battery swapping and car-as-a-service leasing agreements have been planned to push the agenda forward.
GALLERY
