Singapore Cracks Down on Illegal Ride Services
Drivers face vehicle impoundment for unauthorized cross-border operations.
Authorities in Singapore are intensifying their crackdown on unauthorized ride-hailing services. Recent operations led to the apprehension of multiple drivers and the impounding of their vehicles, raising concerns about commuter safety and fair competition.
Illegal Operations Uncovered
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) reported that 22 drivers were caught providing illegal ride-hailing services both within Singapore and across the border to Malaysia. The operation, conducted on Friday at Changi Airport and Gardens by the Bay, was initiated after tip-offs from the National Private Hire Vehicles Association and the public.
Safety and Licensing Concerns
The LTA emphasized that commuters should avoid these illegal services due to safety risks and lack of proper insurance. These unauthorized services also undermine the livelihoods of licensed drivers. Only licensed providers from both Singapore and Malaysia are authorized to offer cross-border services, with each country having a quota of 200 taxis.
Currently, almost 300 Singapore- and Malaysia-registered taxis are licensed for cross-border operations, according to an LTA spokesperson.
Designated Pick-Up Points
Licensed taxis operating cross-border must use designated pick-up and drop-off points: the Ban San Street terminal in Singapore and Larkin Sentral in Johor when outside their home country. Within their home country, they can pick up and drop off passengers anywhere.
According to the LTA spokesperson, “This arrangement ensures that foreign taxis do not ply the roads illegally to provide point-to-point services outside their home country.”
Ongoing Enforcement
The LTA has committed to continuing its “firm action”
against illegal point-to-point services, including those operating across the border.
The number of illegal ride-hailing services continues to be a concern for regulators. According to a 2023 report by the International Transport Forum, unauthorized transport services can lead to a 20-40% reduction in earnings for licensed taxi drivers (International Transport Forum).