New licensing framework tightens reins on private-hire firms

Singapore

FOR the first time since ride-hailing apps appeared six years ago, commuters can look forward to a formal licensing regime which will allow the authorities to mandate safety standards and act against breaches.

Senior Minister of State for Transport Janil Puthucheary announced in Parliament on Tuesday that there will be two licences: one for street-hail operators (currently, taxi companies) and the other for ride-hail operators (such as Grab and Gojek).

Operators with at least 800 vehicles on their platform must apply for a licence. Those with smaller fleets will be exempted, said Dr Janil when he put before the House the Point-to-Point Passenger…