Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Encouraging Car Rental Companies to Adopt Inclusive Consumer Practices

Mr Ong Hua Han asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry will consider steering car rental companies towards adopting inclusive consumer practices such as providing cars with assistive driving equipment to cater to drivers with disabilities.

Reply by Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     As there is a wide range of adaptive driving aids and equipment available to cater to various disabilities, vehicles suitable for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) are often customised to meet each driver’s specific needs. This may make it challenging for rental companies to offer cars with the suitable assistive driving equipment for a range of users.

2.     To ensure that PwDs have good transport options, we have invested significantly in making our public buses and trains accessible for commuters with different disabilities, including ramps and step-free access for wheelchair users and wayfinding tools for the visually- or hearing-impaired. We are also working with taxi and ride-hail operators to ensure that PwDs who require point-to-point transport services can indicate their requirements more easily when booking a taxi or private hire car. 

3.     PwDs who are unable to use public transport and require a private car to travel to work may apply through the means-tested Disabled Persons Scheme. This scheme allows them to register a vehicle customised to their needs without having to pay the Additional Registration Fee or for a Certificate of Entitlement.