The Straits Times reported that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is expected to come up with a set of rules as an increasing number pay for car pooling services - an alternative to public transport and car ownership.
Among the latest and most prominent car pooling site is ShareTransport.sg, which has been pairing car-poolers with car owners for the past 20 months. It says it has 15,000 users now, and expects to exceed 20,000 next year.
The LTA has been keeping an eye on the development for about two years now, but has not come out with rules on payment. "LTA is supportive of car pooling as it provides greater transport choices to the commuting public. We are working on guidelines to mitigate any potential abuse of car pooling as illegal taxi services," a spokesman said.
Mr. Moh Hon Meng, 44, who started ShareTransport.sg in March last year, said simple rules might include requiring that drivers have full-time jobs, and not rely on car pooling payments as their main source of income. Also, rides must be 'on the way' - meaning, if car owners live in Hougang and work in Shenton Way, they cannot drop someone off in Jurong. And charges should be based on a 'cost recovery' principle and not a profit-making one. A driver stands to recoup up to $600 a month in costs by offering car pooling services, he added.
On the flipside, some observers believe taxi drivers are expected to complain if car pooling becomes more prevalent. Cabby Victor Yow, 67, however, said car pools will not be a threat. "They are likely to operate during peak hours, when there are more commuters than taxis can cater to."
