Hanoi ride-hailing services struggle to cope with Tet demand

Hoang Viet of Nam Tu Liem District had an interminable wait before he could get a motorbike on a ride-hailing app on January 15 evening.

He said: "[The] apps kept saying all drivers nearby were busy. It took me nearly an hour for a motorbike driver to accept my trip."

On the morning of January 16, Nguyen Linh of Tay Ho District had to wait longer than usual to get a GrabCar and the fare had nearly doubled from just a few days ago.

On January 15 morning, Phuong Anh, who sells Tet gifts, could not find drivers to deliver goods to her customers though fares were higher than usual amid.

Seeing the surging demand, more ride-hailing and delivery firms have decided to apply surcharges during Tet, Vietnam’s biggest festival, which this year is celebrated from January 20-26.

Grab has a surcharge of VND5,000 ($0.21) on motorbike rides and delivery orders and VND15,000 on taxi rides.

Other ride-hailing companies Be and Gojek charge VND5,000-20,000 extra, and delivery service provider Baemin charges VND10,000.

The surcharges vary across the country.