Splyt and Grab announce ride-booking global partnership

Splyt and Grab announce ride-booking global partnership

Ctrip and Alipay customers can access Grab rides via their own apps

Global mobility marketplace Splyt Technologies and Southeast Asia’s leading transportation app Grab have partnered to expand their services worldwide.

The first phase of the partnership has included allowing Ctrip and Alipay customers visiting Southeast Asia to take Grab rides through their own apps.

Splyt is working to integrate ride-booking into their OTA platforms and Booking.com consumers will also be able to book Grab rides through the Booking.com app by the third quarter of 2019.

With Splyt’s plan to bring on more partners, travellers will have access to Grab’s transport options without having to download another app.

The second phase will allow Grab users to access transport worldwide. Consumers are already able to book rides in addition to food and package delivery services in 336 cities in eight Southeast Asian countries with the Grab app.

Grab and Splyt’s network of mobility partners will be integrated into the Grab app to allow the expansion.

Travellers can also use the app in their native language and pay in their home currency. The company plans to add features such as travel tips, restaurant reviews and attraction recommendations.

Grab has also invested in Splyt’s US $8 million Series A funding round. The investment will be used to expand Splyt into new markets, improve its proprietary technology, supply partners for ground-based transportation and more.

Philipp Mintchin, Splyt chief executive officer, said: “We see this investment from Grab as a natural next step in developing and deepening our strategic partnership.

“As a global leading mobility marketplace, Splyt will continue to maintain its neutrality and agility, while leveraging on Grab’s regional footprint to enhance our capabilities.”

Mark Porter, Grab chief technology officer for transport, added: “This partnership will unlock a world of options for the increasingly well-travelled Southeast Asian, letting them roam easily across the world through an app they already know and trust.

“At the same time, we’re excited to enable more international travellers to explore the beauty and diversity of Southeast Asia through safe and efficient transport options, whether in a taxi, private car, or even local favourites such as TukTuks and motorbikes.” Porter has also joined Splyt’s board of directors.