International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality in Asia Pasific
Vol 9, No 2 (2026): June 2026

Exploring the Impact of Driver Behavior on Customer Trust: A Study of Ride-Hailing Services in Malaysia

Teow Boon Keong (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Ooi Lyn Liq (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Nur Nazihah Binti Mohd Rodzi (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Nur Irdhila Binti Mohd Zaki (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Nur Natasha Binti Mohd Azlan (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Nur Jannah Binti Abdul Manap (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Daisy Mui Hung Kee (Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Jun 2026

Abstract

As one of the leading ride-hailing and delivery service platforms in Malaysia, Grab connects customers with drivers through its mobile application. This study aims to examine the impact of driver behavior on customer trust among Grab customers and role of customer trust in shaping customer experiences. Additionally, it seeks to reveal how levels of trust and driver interactions influence customer experiences with Grab services in Malaysia. Data were collected through a cross-sectional quantitative survey using a Google Form with five-point Likert-scale questions from approximately 100 Grab users. The findings reveal that driver-related factors, including usefulness (b = 0.225, p .05), ease of use (b = 0.327, p .01), and convenience (b = 0.332, p .01), have significant positive effects on customer trust, while perceived risk has a negligible influence (b = ?0.010, p .05). These results highlight how trust shapes customer perceptions of driver behavior. The study concludes that positive driver behavior strengthens customer trust, emphasizing trust as a key mechanism through which driver interactions affect experiences. High trust levels lead customers to perceive interactions more positively, reinforcing confidence in the service. The findings suggest that Grab should prioritize trust-building strategies, including consistent driver training, improved communication, and transparent feedback systems, to strengthen customer relationships and ensure long-term customer loyalty. 

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJTHAP

Publisher

Subject

Humanities

Description

IJTHAP aims to enhance theoretical development in the field of hospitality and tourism. In order to promote those innovations and fresh ideas, the journal alsso accepts conceptual research, book review, as well as essays of experience belongs to hospitality practitioners. The mission of IJTHAP is to ...