Suspended: Grab driver who texted on phone from Bukit Batok to Katong

A GrabHitch driver who allegedly used his phone while driving in the rain from Bukit Batok to Tanjong Katong has been suspended.

It is unclear exactly when the incident occurred, but the Grab passenger had earlier posted her account of events in a Facebook post.

Her original post has since been taken down, but was re-uploaded on other Facebook pages such as Beh Chia Lor - Singapore Road and All Singapore Stuff's page, along with videos that she had filmed.

Several Stompers also alerted Stomp to the incident.

The passenger alleged that the Grab driver was texting on his phone throughout the entire journey from Bukit Batok West Avenue 4 to Tanjong Katong Complex.

She also said that it was raining at that time and her video does indeed show that the driver had his windscreen wipers activated.

The passenger added, "And he was driving at a fast speed."

In response to media queries by Stomp, a spokesman for Grab said: "The safety of our passengers and other road users is our absolute priority, and we do not accept irresponsible driving on our platform.

"Texting while driving is a clear violation of road traffic law as well as our Grab driver code of conduct, and we have suspended the driver in question.

"This is an isolated incident and is no way a reflection of the wider carpooling community.

"At Grab, we are constantly working to ensure the safety of our passengers. This includes encouraging passengers to rate their drivers, and reviewing those ratings regularly to ensure a consistently high quality.

"GrabHitch is a social carpooling option that enables personal car [drivers] to give fellow commuters a lift, so that everyone can travel more affordably, while reducing congestion and carbon emissions.

"We encourage all drivers and riders to treat each other with care and respect, to enjoy the best possible social carpooling experience."