National Taxi Association wishes for third-party taxi app framework

The National Taxi Association's executive adviser hopes to see a set of operating procedures or a framework that governs how third-party taxi-booking apps and their private-hire drivers operate, to level the playing field between them and taxi drivers, reported The Straits Times. Mr. Ang Hin Kee, who is also an MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, was responding to a blog post by Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan.

The Land Transport Authority is studying whether to make private-hire drivers get vocational licences, but Mr Ang noted that that might not be the eventual decision taken by the Government. Rather, the solution could come from "a package of policies", he said. He said commuters needed to know whether they would be covered by insurance in the event of accidents, and should have avenues for disputing charges and unsatisfactory service.

Mobile apps for on-demand private-hire services such as Uber and GrabCar have grown in popularity in recent years as an alternative to conventional taxis. However, Uber drivers said it would be unfair if they were regulated as they were not strictly offering a taxi service. "If we have to get vocational licences, but they allow us to pick up street hires - then I think it would be fair," said Mr. Ken Wong. Another Uber driver, Mr. S.K. Low, said, "We cannot take street hires, neither can we go to taxi stands and tout. We rely completely on the app - it's a willing buyer, willing seller situation."

Meanwhile, consumers cautioned against a heavy-handed approach, with many saying online that these third-party apps should not be unfairly penalised. "If people are going to Uber, it means that the Uber business model is better. So why is the Government trying to help (the taxi operators) when they should be trying to improve their business model?" said financial analyst Dez Tan.

National University of Singapore Transport Researcher Lee Der Horng reckons what is really needed is a one-stop taxi-booking platform that aggregates both third party and taxi services. Calling it a 'white knight' solution, Professor Lee said, "Commuters can just go to this app, see all the choices available to them, and then make a decision."