Allowing Disabled Persons to Work as Private Hire Drivers

14 Ms Hazel Poa asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry will consider allowing cars registered under the Disabled Persons Scheme to be used as private hire cars (PHC) to allow disabled persons to earn a living as PHC drivers.

Mr Chee Hong Tat (for the Minister for Transport): All cars, including private hire cars (PHCs), must have the requisite Certificates of Entitlement (COE) and Additional Registration Fees (ARF) paid for.

An exception is given for cars purchased under the Disabled Persons Scheme (DPS). To support the commuting needs of persons with disabilities, the DPS exempts Singapore Citizens with permanent disabilities who cannot take public transport, from paying COE premiums and ARF when they purchase a vehicle for the primary purpose of travelling to and from work. This exemption does not apply to vehicles used as PHCs.