Cab incumbents must accept disruption reality

NEW licensing rules for private-hire drivers will help to level the playing field in the taxi industry, but traditional operators like ComfortDelGro and SMRT should not get too comfortable.

The rules also bring legitimacy to disruptors like Uber and Grab, and the incumbents must raise their game by being more flexible and agile in innovating if they wish to stay relevant.

Two weeks ago, the government gave the new entrants the green light to operate - with some rules in place.