Regulatory Measures against Systematic Base Fare Cuts by Platform Companies after Implementation of CPF Contribution Scheme
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns inquiries by Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song regarding changes in net take-home pay for platform workers opting into CPF contributions and whether operators have systematically reduced fares to offset contribution costs. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng stated that monthly median earnings changes from January to September 2025 ranged from a 12.7% decrease to an 8.2% increase, with no consistent trend observed. He confirmed that no feedback on systemic fare or incentive reductions has been received and noted the September 2025 release of industry-wide principles by the Platform Workers Trilateral Group. These principles establish baseline expectations for fair and transparent earnings while providing platform workers with visibility on structural changes to incentive schemes. Workers experiencing concerns with the setting of fares and incentives may seek assistance through their registered Platform Work Associations.
Transcript
42 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the monthly median change in net take-home pay for platform workers who opted into the CPF contribution scheme since January 2025; (b) whether the Ministry has detected any systematic reduction in base fares or incentive premiums by platform operators that offsets the operator’s required share of contributions; and (c) what measures are implemented to prevent such practices.
Dr Tan See Leng: Between January and September 2025, the monthly median change in net-take home earnings1 for platform workers who opted2 to increase their CPF contributions beyond the mandatory MediSave contributions ranged from a decrease of 12.7% to an increase of 8.2%. No consistent trend was observed, as monthly earnings fluctuate depending on factors, such as hours worked and the seasonality of demand and supply.
We have not received any feedback from platform workers and Platform Work Associations that suggests systemic reduction in fares or incentive premiums due to CPF contributions. In September 2025, the Platform Workers Trilateral Group – comprising the Ministry of Manpower, the Ministry of Transport, the National Trades Union Congress and major platform operators – released a set of industry-wide principles that establish baseline expectations for platform operators when setting and reviewing their fares and incentives. These principles include fair and transparent earnings for platform workers, as well as visibility on structural changes to incentive schemes. Platform workers may seek assistance from their registered Platform Work Associations if they have concerns with the way fares and incentives are set.