Frustrations of Private Hire Drivers Unveiled

In Singapore, private hire driver Francis Loo, 60, expresses alarm over the rise of illegal 'hitch' rides offered through platforms like Telegram. These unlicensed drivers, he notes, constantly threaten the livelihoods of legitimate drivers like himself, who have invested years in the industry.

With a Telegram group boasting nearly 140,000 members dedicated to organizing these unofficial rides, Loo emphasizes the challenge of combating this issue. Despite efforts to shut down such groups, he warns that they simply reappear elsewhere.

A Dialogue Addressing Key Concerns

Loo's concerns were aired along with those of over 60 delivery riders, private hire, and taxi drivers during a recent dialogue with National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng at the Fernvale Community Club. This marked their second gathering within two months, aiming to tackle persistent industry challenges.

While media were present to observe, reporting on the discussions remained prohibited to maintain a candid environment for workers to express their grievances.

Earnings Uncertainty and Lack of Transparency

Muhd Khairil, a full-time Grab delivery rider preparing for fatherhood, echoed similar frustrations, citing the unpredictability of fares and orders that fluctuate daily. He criticized the opaque nature of base fares and multipliers, calling for platform operators to provide clearer breakdowns to help workers foresee their earnings.

Taxi driver Wong Chang Sheng stressed the ongoing problem of illegal hitch rides, linking it directly to the negative impact on lawful drivers' incomes.

Concerns Over Safety and Clarity

The NTUC revealed that workers shared widespread frustrations about ambiguous fare calculations and incentive schemes, leading to excessively long hours and safety concerns. Ng acknowledged the crucial need for clearer fare components, insisting that platform companies must offer transparency to empower workers in making informed decisions.

Advocacy for Worker Rights

Beyond immediate concerns, workers voiced issues from connectivity troubles in basement car parks to illegal account-sharing that raises potential fraud risks. Ng committed to addressing these matters through a partnership model involving platform operators and unions to foster a more stable environment for workers.

Recent Enforcement Measures Yield Positive Results

In a hopeful turn, Ng mentioned that recent crackdowns on illegal operations have significantly boosted the incomes of compliant private hire and cross-border taxi drivers by 10 to 30 percent. He attributed these improvements to effective collaboration between enforcement agencies and platform workers.

Ongoing efforts have led to numerous illegal vehicles being impounded and arrests made, further demonstrating the need for stricter regulation to protect legitimate workers.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Platform Workers

With legal powers recently granted to associations representing platform workers, Ng's vision for the future is one where both companies and workers can thrive together through sustainable practices, better welfare, and enhanced job prospects. As the industry evolves, ongoing dialogue and advocacy continue to prove essential in fostering a fairer working environment.