Additional S$27m set aside for Covid-19 Driver Relief Fund in Singapore

THE government has set aside an additional S$27 million to provide an extra S$10 per vehicle per day top-up through the Covid-19 Driver Relief Fund (CDRF) from May 16 to end-June.

This is in addition to the S$188 million previously committed for CDRF payments from January to June 2021, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in a statement on Friday.

In total, drivers will receive S$25 per vehicle per day, up from the existing S$15 per vehicle per day. This works out to be S$750 per vehicle per month until the end of June.

The government is looking into a further extension to the CDRF beyond the current tranche ending in end-June. Meanwhile, LTA will work with the operators to implement the enhanced CDRF by end-May.

Additionally, taxi operators and private car hire operators have been extending rental discounts and waivers to their drivers. ComfortDelGro had earlier announced a 50 per cent rental waiver for its drivers, while other taxi operators have also committed to provide additional rental discounts of at least S$5 per day above their current commitment of S$10 per day to their drivers. In total, taxi operators have pledged around S$28 million in additional taxi rental discounts.

Meanwhile, Grab is providing rebates to eligible drivers and rental waivers for qualifying Grab rental drivers. (see Amendment note) Gojek has also reduced commissions for its drivers.

LTA noted that drivers have expressed concern about the potential loss of income should they be served with a Quarantine Order after coming into close contact with individuals who tested positive for Covid-19.

Drivers can continue to tap schemes such as the Quarantine Order Allowance Scheme administered by the Ministry of Health and other relief schemes provided by their taxi and private hire car operators. Drivers who are members of the National Taxi Association and the National Private Hire Vehicles Association can also receive a one-off S$200 assistance provided by the associations if they have been served a quarantine order.

Amendment Note: Grab has clarified it is providing rebates and rental waivers for eligible and qualifying drivers and Grab rentals drivers.