Cruise Driverless, while innovative with its driverless technology and safety features, currently faces operational challenges and limited availability. Grab (Southeast Asia) offers broader coverage and more ride options but struggles with customer support and ETA accuracy. The best choice depends on the user's location and priorities, with Cruise being a potential option in specific cities once operations resume, and Grab being a more readily available choice in Southeast Asia.
| Attribute | Cruise Driverless | Grab (Southeast Asia) |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Cruise Driverless | Grab (Southeast Asia) |
| Driver Availability During Peak Hours | Difficult to assess as vehicles are driverless; operations suspended in Oct 2023, resuming tests with human-driven vehicles in Phoenix as of April 2024. | Not available |
| Geographic Coverage Area | San Francisco, Austin, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas; planned expansion to Miami, Atlanta, Nashville; tested in Los Angeles. | Operates in over 500 cities and towns across eight countries in Southeast Asia: Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. |
| Vehicle Safety Features | Sensors for seatbelt detection, automatic behavioral responses, computer vision for pedestrian detection, automated emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, night vision, lane-keeping assist, collision avoidance systems. | Real-time GPS tracking, Emergency buttons, Audio recording during rides (AudioProtect), Trip monitoring, Share ride details, SOS button, In-app Safety Center, Driver selfie verification, Telematics, Number masking |
| App Ease of Use and Reliability | App allows users to unlock car doors, similar to other ride-sharing apps; users find it easy to use with a detailed map. | Convenient and reliable for travel in Asia. User-friendly interface with updates on driver tracking, arrival estimates, and payment confirmations. |
| Pricing Transparency and Surge Pricing Policy | Base fare plus per-minute and per-mile charges, plus city tax; no surge pricing. | Upfront pricing (excluding tolls and surcharges). Prices can increase during peak hours. |
| Customer Support Responsiveness | Connected to OnStar Emergency Services for assistance. | Some users have complained about poor customer support. Passengers can report safety issues and expect a digital response within 30 minutes and a resolution within 2-6 hours. |
| Ride Customization Options | Wheelchair-accessible version of the Origin vehicle in development. | Options to select vehicle type (GrabCar, GrabBike, GrabTaxi), Larger vehicles for groups, Services like GrabCar for Cyclists, GrabPet, GrabFamily, and GrabCoach, Quiet Ride option |
| Driver Screening and Background Check Process | Not applicable as vehicles are driverless. | Submission of documentation, Background checks, Face-to-face verification, Vehicle requirements and inspection, Compulsory training, Ongoing monitoring |
| Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) Accuracy | Detailed map in app helps users find their location. | Improved ETA accuracy through partnerships and machine learning. Some users still report inaccuracies. |
| Payment Options and Flexibility | Cashless payment approach, cruise credit card, digital wallets, "buy now, pay later" option. | GrabPay, Credit/debit card, Cash, PayLater, GrabPay Card, GrabGifts |
| In-App Safety Features | Connected to OnStar Emergency Services. | Safety Center, Emergency SOS button, Share My Ride, AudioProtect, Trip Monitoring, 24/7 Incident Response Team |
| Cleanliness and Maintenance of Vehicles | Regular fleet inspections and maintenance checks; sensor cleaning equipment built into vehicles. | Car checks to ensure vehicles are safe. PUSPAKOM vehicle inspections are required for vehicles 3 years and older. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Overall: Not available, Performance: Not available | Not available |
| Pros | Driverless operation (historically), Advanced safety features, Easy-to-use app, Wheelchair-accessible vehicle in development, Multiple payment options, In-app safety features | Wide geographic coverage in Southeast Asia, Multiple vehicle and ride customization options, Various safety features implemented, Multiple payment options available, User-friendly app interface |
| Cons | Driver availability uncertain due to suspended operations, Limited geographic coverage area, Customer support relies on OnStar Emergency Services | Driver availability during peak hours not specified, Complaints about customer support responsiveness, ETA inaccuracies reported by some users, Surge pricing during peak hours |
| User Feedback - Positive | Easy to use app, Detailed map in app | Convenient app, Reliable for travel in Asia |
| User Feedback - Negative | Poor customer support responsiveness, ETA inaccuracies |