Considerations for Singapore’s Position on Cross-Border Ride-Hailing
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the considerations raised by Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui regarding Singapore's position on cross-border ride-hailing and balancing commuter convenience with protecting local private hire drivers' livelihoods. Minister of State for Transport and Sustainability and the Environment Jeffrey Siow stated that enforcement against unlicensed foreign vehicles has intensified since July 2025 to address safety risks and lack of valid insurance. To strengthen deterrence, the Government will increase penalties and seek the removal of platforms facilitating illegal services while engaging the National Taxi Association and National Private Hire Vehicles Association. Singapore is collaborating with Malaysian authorities to enhance the Cross-Border Taxi Scheme and develop new travel options for families, the elderly, and corporate clients. Proposed safeguards include utilizing location tracking and electronic road pricing 2.0 to prevent illegal trips within Singapore, alongside improved booking services by ComfortDelGro and Strides Premier.
Transcript
35 Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what are the key considerations that will guide Singapore's position on cross-border ride-hailing; and (b) how does the Ministry intend to balance user convenience with safeguards to protect the livelihoods of local private hire drivers.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Since July 2025, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has stepped up enforcement against unlicensed foreign vehicles providing point-to-point (P2P) services within Singapore, in response to feedback and information provided by the National Taxi Association (NTA), the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) and members of the public. Over 70 vehicles have been caught since then. This is to safeguard commuter safety and protect the livelihoods of licensed local drivers. Illegal services lack valid insurance coverage and use drivers without proper licenses, which can have serious consequences for passengers in an accident.
As announced by the Platform Workers Trilateral Group, the Government will continue to enforce against illegal P2P rides, by increasing penalties to strengthen deterrence and pushing for the removal of apps, channels and advertisements facilitating such services.
At the same time, we recognise there is significant unmet demand for more convenient P2P services, for both leisure and business travel. We are in discussions with the Malaysian authorities to enhance the Cross-Border Taxi Scheme, as well as to develop new options to accommodate large families with young children, the elderly and less mobile, and corporate customers. Meanwhile, ComfortDelGro and Strides Premier will accept phone and online form bookings, respectively, for their taxis licensed under the existing Cross-Border Taxi Scheme, for doorstep pick-ups for local commuters; and will provide more earning opportunities for drivers.
As discussions progress, we will continue to engage NTA and NPHVA. We need safeguards in place for our drivers while we strive to meet commuters' needs. Based on their feedback, we are exploring using location tracking, including electronic road pricing 2.0, to prevent illegal trips by cross-border taxis within Singapore.