Written Reply by Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung to Parliamentary Question on Efforts to Simplify and Render More Transparent Fee Structure of Taxicabs in Light of Rise Of Private-Hire Cars

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     whether the Ministry will provide an update on efforts to simplify and render more transparent the fee structure of taxicabs especially in light of the rise of private-hire cars (PHCs); and 

b.     whether such increased transparency will also apply for the PHC industry.

Reply by Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung:

1.     Since 2015, the Public Transport Council (PTC) has mandated a standardised metered fare structure for taxis which requires operators to publish their booking charges, metered charges per unit distance and surcharges.

2.     As for ride-hail trips, under the new point-to-point regulatory framework implemented in October 2020, operators are required to make the trip fare clear to commuters at the point of booking. Operators are also required to publish the quantum of any additional charges that may be levied on top of the trip fare.