Ride-hailing apps to use in Malaysia
Don’t let long waits and high surge prices on Grab ruin your trip to Johor Bahru or Kuala Lumpur, especially since there are many other ride-hailing apps to use in Malaysia.
Whether you’re looking for affordable options, unique features like negotiable fares, women-only services, or simply want to avoid the frustration of waiting, these ride-hailing apps in Malaysia will help you find convenient transportation even during busy times for a smoother journey.
1. MyCar
Choice of Economy, MVP Compact & Premium rides
MyCar (App Store | Google Play) is a Malaysian-grown e-hailing app that offers affordable rates comparable to Grab. It works exactly like the usual ride-hailing apps, except MyCar is the app for those of us who are concerned about having the best possible ride experience. You’ll get to choose between options like Economy, MVP Compact, or Premium, if you’re feeling bougie. Just make sure you have your payment options sorted – good thing they offer both cash and card payments.
The app is also popular outside of Klang Valley and available in smaller cities and towns in Malaysia, so you won’t have to worry about being stranded if you’re away from the main urban areas.
2. EzCab
Works with both taxis & private hire vehicles
Image credit: EzCab
EzCab (App Store | Google Play) works with both private hire cars and taxis, perfect for those of us who want unbeatable taxi fare rates. Booking a taxi on the app allows you to uplift cab drivers since you’ll still be employing their services, with the added convenience of an app.
Plus, they guarantee a fixed fare so we tourists can avoid the tourist tax scams that often happen when hailing a cab off the street. The app is also integrated with the Touch’ N Go wallet, making payment seamless. If you’d like to pay using other methods, they have cash and card options too.
3. RYDE
Environmentally-friendly carpooling
Image credit: Ryde via Facebook
RYDE (App Store | Google Play) shakes up our list of ride-hailing apps with their speciality, RYDE Pool. Match with other passengers or drivers going your way and carpool to your destination.
Carpooling is an environmentally friendly way to get around and cheaper to boot. If you’re not into carpooling with strangers, RYDE has other options like RYDE X, which gets you a normal ride and RYDE XL – their 6-seater option is perfect for those travelling with friends.
RYDE offers both cash and card payment options.
4. Kummute
E-hailing buses & fares from RM2
Image credit: Kummute
Kummute (App Store | Google Play) takes carpooling to the next level by letting you ride on their on-demand buses. Simply pick your destination and board their buses that’ll shuttle you to where you need to go. Sharing the ride with other passengers means that your fare can go as low as RM2 (~S$0.60). Their base fares start at RM1 (~S$0.30), and each additional 0.5km after 1.5km will cost you RM0.20 (~S$0.061), which is a pretty sweet deal.
They also have regular e-hailing services, too, so you’ll just need to pick which one you’d prefer before booking. Make sure you either have cash or a card to pay with, because they only accept those 2 options.
Currently, Kummute is in its pilot form but is still widely available in numerous areas of Malaysia, especially near universities and offices.
5. MyRide
Has e-hailing services for less-served areas
Image credit: Joan Valledor via Facebook
If you’re headed to somewhere pretty off-the-grid, or away from the city, MyRide (App Store | Google Play) is a pretty good one to try out. Aside from Klang Valley, this app also offers services in Kedah, Penang, and Terengganu.
They promise affordable prices atop a no-frills app that’s best for those who want a straightforward e-hailing app. Payments are also made simple as they accept cash, card, and e-wallet payments.
6. AirAsia MOVE
E-hailing rides to and from airports
Image credit: AirAsia Ride
We’re pretty big fans of AirAsia since their budget airlines are always flying us to our vacation destinations for cheap. Now, they even have an e-hailing option to improve your travel experience.
Their new service, AirAsia MOVE (App Store | Google Play) works best for getting rides to and from airports. This e-hailing service is found on their mega app, so you can seamlessly book a ride immediately after landing. Plus, you could even schedule a pick-up a week in advance so you won’t have to worry about transportation after you land.
Oh, and we should mention that it also has added benefits like vouchers and deals for loyal AirAsia customers.
7. Bolt
Low base fares & no surge pricing
Image credit: Bolt
Surge pricing is especially painful when you have to rush somewhere during peak hours, but don’t want to break the bank. Bolt (App Store | Google Play) has our backs since they don’t have surge pricing. Yes, seriously.
You’re always going to get the best possible rates no matter how busy it gets. This, combined with their low base fares, makes Bolt a very competitive alternative to Grab. Paying is easy too, since they have both cash and card payment options available.
8. Riding Pink
E-hailing app exclusively for women
Image credit: Riding Pink via Facebook
Riding Pink (App Store | Google Play) was created by stay-at-home mother Denise Tan, specifically for women and children. Created with safety and comfort in mind, this app matches female passengers with female drivers, which is ideal for solo female travellers.
They specialise in pre-scheduled rides, so you can book up to 2 weeks in advance or 30 minutes before your journey to ensure that you’ll get a Riding Pink driver exactly when you need her. You’ll need cash to pay, or you can use their in-app system, Pink Credit, although that needs to be topped up before the ride.
9. GOJO
E-hailing app with numerous safety measures
Image credit: GOJO
GOJO (App Store | Google Play) guarantees your peace of mind with its myriad of safety features. If you’re travelling alone or worried about being in a new city, this app’s for you. Their app is equipped with an S.O.S button – when pressed, it will alert local authorities and your emergency contacts. You can also share your location and live-tracking with your loved ones via their Track link.
Ride-hailing apps to use instead of Grab
When we can’t rely on Grab, it’s always good to have a backup ride-hailing service whenever we travel. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of ride-hailing apps that we can use to get us where we want to go.
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Cover image adapted from: Kummute, Ryde, Bolt & Riding Pink via Facebook