Grab Vs Uber: Are They Available In Brunei?

Brunei is a small country in Southeast Asia with a well-developed transportation system. While it does not have Uber or Grab, it does have a local ride-hailing app called Dart, which offers similar services. Dart is available in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and the surrounding areas, and provides both car and motorcycle rides. The app calculates fares based on distance and time of travel, and allows users to book rides in advance. The country also has a public bus system called the Franchise Bus, as well as taxis and water taxis, providing a range of transportation options for both locals and tourists.

Why Grab isn't in Brunei

Grab, the leading ride-hailing platform in Southeast Asia, is notably absent from the country of Brunei. While Grab operates in multiple countries in the region, it has not expanded its services to Brunei. This absence is due to a combination of factors, including market size, competition from local alternatives, and regulatory challenges.

Market Size and Demand

One of the primary reasons for Grab's absence in Brunei is the country's small market size. Brunei has a relatively small population, and many locals own private cars, reducing the demand for ride-hailing services. Grab likely assessed the market and determined that the potential returns on investment would not be significant enough to justify entering the market.

Local Competition

In addition to the limited market size, Brunei already has its own ride-booking app called Dart, which serves as a local alternative to Grab. Dart offers both car and motorcycle rides within the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and the surrounding areas. While some users have criticised Dart for being expensive, it still serves as a viable option for those seeking ride-booking services in the country.

Regulatory Challenges

Regulatory challenges and resistance from the existing taxi industry may also have played a role in Grab's absence from Brunei. Taxi businesses in Brunei are known to have complained to the authorities about the introduction of ride-hailing apps, and there have even been reports of threats made against drivers working for these new services.

In conclusion, Grab's absence in Brunei can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the country's small market size, local competition, and potential regulatory challenges. While some users may still wish for Grab's presence in the country, the existing alternatives, such as Dart, fill the need for ride-booking services in Brunei to some extent.

Local ride-hailing apps in Brunei

Brunei has a well-developed transportation system that includes ride-hailing services. While global ride-hailing apps like Uber and Grab are not available in Brunei, the country has its own local ride-hailing app called Dart.

Dart, which was launched in 2017, is Brunei's first ride-hailing mobile app. It offers both car and motorcycle rides in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan and the surrounding areas. The app is available for download on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

To use Dart, users simply download the app, create an account, and book a ride. The app will display the estimated fare, which is calculated based on the distance and time of travel, and the driver's details. Payment can be made through the app using a credit or debit card, or in cash to the driver.

In addition to ride-hailing, Dart also offers a delivery service, allowing users to book a driver by the hour. This service is ideal for those who need to make multiple stops or require a longer duration for their trip.

According to Dart's founder and CEO, Zul' Amali Idris, one of the challenges in developing the app was accommodating the existing transportation network in Brunei while also advancing it within the legal framework. The app was developed in Bangkok, Thailand, while the local team in Brunei focused on marketing, back-end operations, and functionality.

Zul also emphasized the convenience and affordability that Dart brings to both riders and drivers in Brunei. For riders, it offers a convenient way to book rides and a competitive pricing structure. For drivers, it provides an opportunity to earn extra income, especially for those looking to work part-time.

In conclusion, while Brunei does not have global ride-hailing apps like Uber or Grab, the local ride-hailing app Dart fills this gap in the market. Dart offers a convenient, affordable, and trusted ride-booking service to both locals and expats in Brunei, contributing to the country's well-developed transportation system.

Taxi services in Brunei

Brunei has a well-developed transportation system that includes taxis and ride-hailing services. Taxis are a common mode of transportation in Brunei, especially in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan.

Traditional Taxis

Taxis in Brunei are typically metered, with fares regulated by the government. The base price is BND3.50 for the first minute or kilometre, with an additional BND0.20 for every 250 metres or 15 seconds (whichever comes first). There is also a surcharge for airport trips and for travelling between districts. Additional charges may apply for excess baggage or a higher number of passengers.

Taxis can be hailed from the street, particularly in the city centre, or found at taxi stands located at major shopping centres, hotels, and tourist attractions. Some popular taxi stands include those at The Mall, The Empire Hotel & Country Club, and the Aman Hills Shopping Centre.

Taxis can also be booked in advance or on-demand by contacting the following 24-hour taxi companies:

• Darussalam Taxi (+673 239 2392)
• Qaf Taxi (+673 222 7999)
• Talian Taxi (+673 223 3444)

Ride-Hailing Services

In addition to traditional taxis, ride-hailing services such as Dart and Grab are also available in Brunei. These services offer the convenience of booking and payment through a mobile app, as well as competitive pricing.

Dart is a homegrown ride-hailing service offering both car and motorcycle rides in Bandar Seri Begawan and surrounding areas. The Dart app calculates fares based on distance and time of travel, and rides can be booked with an unlimited number of stops.

Grab, a well-known Southeast Asian ride-hailing service, also operates in Bandar Seri Begawan and its surrounding areas, offering car, taxi, and motorcycle rides.

Both the Dart and Grab apps can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

Water Taxis

For those wishing to explore the water village of Kampong Ayer, water taxis are available. These speed boats can be hailed at jetties along the Brunei River and typically cost between BND2-5, though prices may be negotiated.

Bus Services

Brunei also has a public bus system, the Franchise Bus (formerly known as the Purple Bus), which is the cheapest way to get around town, with an average fare of BND1 per ride. The bus serves six lines, each with distinctively coloured buses, and runs from 6 am to 8 pm.

Rental Cars

For those who prefer to drive themselves, rental cars can be booked online or through major hotels and the airport, with prices ranging from BND60 to BND100 per day, depending on the vehicle size.

Public transport in Brunei

Brunei has a well-developed transportation system, but public transport is not in great demand as most people in the country own cars. There is a limited public bus system, and taxis are also available. Ride-hailing services, such as Dart and Grab, are also an option.

Buses

The public bus system in Brunei is called the Franchise Bus, formerly known as the Purple Bus. It is the cheapest way to get around, with an average fare of BND1 per ride. The bus serves six lines, which are easily recognisable due to the bright colours of the buses. The Eastern Line (royal blue) and the Northern Line (green) pass through the international airport. The bus service runs from 6 am until 8 pm.

Taxis

Taxis are a common mode of transport in Brunei, especially in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. They are typically metered, with fares regulated by the government. The base price is BND3.50 for the first minute or kilometre, with an additional BND0.20 for every 250 metres or 15 seconds (whichever comes first). There are also various surcharges for things like airport trips, travelling between districts, extra baggage, and additional passengers.

Ride-hailing Services

Dart is a homegrown ride-hailing app that offers both car and motorcycle rides. It is available in Bandar Seri Begawan and the surrounding areas. Grab, a ride-hailing service that operates in multiple countries in Southeast Asia, is also available in Brunei. Both services allow users to book rides, see estimated fares, and pay through their smartphones.

Ride-hailing services in Brunei

Ride-hailing services are available in Brunei, with Dart and Grab being the two major options.

Dart

Dart is a homegrown ride-hailing app in Brunei that offers both car and motorcycle rides. It is available in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and the surrounding areas. The Dart app can be downloaded on smartphones via the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. After creating an account, users can book a ride, with the app displaying the estimated fare and driver details. Payment can be made through the app using a credit card or cash.

Grab

Southeast Asia's leading ride-hailing platform, Grab, is also available in Brunei. The company offers car, taxi, and motorcycle rides in Bandar Seri Begawan and the surrounding areas. Similar to Dart, users can download the Grab app, create an account, and book rides with estimated fares and driver details provided. Payment can be made through the app using a credit card or cash.

Other Options

While Grab and Dart are the prominent ride-hailing services, there was an attempt to launch a local version of Uber/Grab/Lyft in the country. However, due to investor issues and opposition from the taxi business, the project was dismissed.

Additionally, Brunei has a well-developed transportation system that includes traditional taxis, which can be hailed from the street or found at taxi stands. These taxis are metered, with fares regulated by the government.

For those seeking other transportation options, Brunei also offers bus services and water taxis, providing a range of choices for travellers and residents to get around the country.

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