Grab “Quiet” mode feature now undergoing beta tests

Despite Filipinos generally possessing the gift of gab, many are not always in the mood for chit-chat. These situations are never more apparent than when riding a car as the lone passenger, with the enclosed space adding to the pressure of making social contact. Grab is now offering passengers a solution with its “Quiet” mode.    

Not everyone has the energy or inclination to engage in small talk with strangers

The ride-hailing service is currently conducting beta testing of the feature, giving users the option to specify that the ride be as free of small talk as possible between passenger and driver. Communication between the occupants will be limited to booking-related conversations such as preferred route, stopovers, and other details.

There are no special instructions required to unlock the feature. Upon booking, selected Grab users will get an auto-generated message that gives them the option to have a conversation-free ride by replying “Quiet” to the driver. Those who prefer not to avail of the feature can simply ignore and close the message window.      

After the ride has booked you with a driver, an auto-generated message will appear

If users are traveling with a companion, they can probably use the feature to keep the conversation between themselves inside the vehicle, and just let the driver focus on getting them to their destinations safely.    

Grab said that it began beta testing for “Quiet” mode on Monday, April 4, adding that the trial period aims to help the company and its driver-partners understand the preferences that different passengers might have. The testing is initially scheduled to last for two months or until the end of June. If the feedback from customers is favorable, Grab will likely roll out “Quiet” mode as a full product for the app soon.   

Uber already included a Quiet mode feature for its customers in the U.S.

This is not the first time that such an option is being made available on a ride-hailing service. Uber has been offering a Quiet mode as part of its Uber Comfort product for U.S. customers since 2018, along with preferred temperature settings and extended pickup times. Rival company Lyft has also included the feature in its Preferred Ride service.      

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