LTA awards street-hail service operator licence to GrabCab

LTA has awarded a Street-hail Service Operator Licence (SSOL) to GrabCab Pte Ltd (GrabCab), which is a subsidiary of Grab Rentals Pte Ltd and the sister company of GrabCar Pte Ltd.

GrabCab's foray into the street-hail sector now brings the total number of taxi operators to six. Under the licence, GrabCab will be allowed a three-year grace period to progressively expand its fleet to meet the minimum fleet size requirement of 800 taxis.

The licence has a validity of 10 years and will commence from 9 April 2025 onwards. Compliance with the licence's conditions is necessary, and GrabCab will have to meet LTA's safety standards, as well as ensure that its partnership arrangements with drivers are non-exclusive in nature.

GrabCab must also ensure that its taxis are easily identifiable by street-hail customers, including a prominent roof-top sign and a distinctive livery scheme. Vehicle models must also be approved by LTA and meet requirements such as having sufficient boot space to carry a folded wheelchair or luggage.

It will also follow the same taxi fare structure components as other street-hail operators, which means that the fare will be prominently displayed to inform passengers of the applicable fare rates.