Amidst rising global concern against drivers operating under third party ride-booking apps, Singapore has taken a step towards regulating them here.
“With the growth of apps like Uber and Grab, some basic regulations are needed to ensure that the commuters’ interests, particularly safety, are taken care of,” said Senior Minister of State for Transport Ng Chee Meng in Parliament today.
As such, a new regulatory framework for private hire car drivers will be implemented come 2017 — ensuring that these drivers undergo sufficient training on safety and regulations for providing chauffeuring services.
The rules of regulations to earn that coveted Private Hire Car Driver Vocational Licence (PDVL) is pretty hefty (and might turn off some potential Uber and Grab drivers). Applicants must:
- Be subjected to background screenings
- Undergo medical examinations
- Be sole proprietors or employees of a car rental or chauffeur company
- Hold a Class 3/3A driving licence for at least two years before applying
- Attend and pass a 10-hour PDVL course, as well as go for a three-hour refresher course once every six years
- Be subjected to the Vocational Licence Points System for errant conduct
- Have cars registered with the Land Transport Authority (LTA)
- Display PDVLs and a tamper-evident decal in their car
Despite the relatively high barrier to entry as a private hire driver, Grab Singapore is pretty supportive of the new regulations. According to the e-hailing app, the announced requirements complement their existing practices and they’ll be ensuring that their drivers receive full support during the transitory period.
“Grab is aligned with the MOT’s and LTA’s efforts to create a sustainable transportation ecosystem where private hire vehicles are a trusted and reliable transport option and co-exist with taxis, benefiting and protecting both passengers and drivers’ interests,” said Grab Singapore head Lim Kell Jay. “We view these regulations as an endorsement of PHCs and a positive development for the industry as a whole.”
No word from Uber on what they think of the soon-to-be mandated stipulations on their drivers.
