Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Managing Increases in Rental and Transport Costs for Private-Hire Drivers Given Higher COE Premiums

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Transport in view of COE premiums reaching near record high 

a.     what is the Government doing to mitigate the increase in rental and transport costs for those who drive or travel by private-hire cars; 

b.     under what circumstances will Government intervention be warranted; 

c.     what intervention measures are being planned; and 

d.     whether the Ministry plans to review the COE bidding system to reduce speculative bidding.

Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:

1.     Private hire car (PHC) rental costs have not increased despite higher Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums as the ownership costs of cars already in service remain unchanged.

2.     The Government does not regulate PHC fares or rental costs, which are determined by dynamic market forces. This allows demand and supply for PHC services and rentals to be matched efficiently based on prevailing market conditions, while spurring service improvements and price competitiveness. Similarly, the COE is market-based, where premiums are determined by market forces of supply and demand.

3.     LTA has no plans to review the COE rules which, in general, discourage speculative bidding. For example, Category A and B COEs for cars are non-transferable. Only the successful bidder can use the temporary COE (TCOE) to register a vehicle. Further, a deposit of $10,000 will need to be placed when bidding. This bid deposit is forfeited if the temporary COE (TCOE) is not used for registration within the validity period. LTA will continue to monitor the situation on the ground closely.