Written Reply to Parliamentary Questions on Ensuring No Vulnerable Groups are Impacted by Decline in Readily Available Street-Hail Taxis

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     how will the Ministry ensure that no vulnerable groups are impacted by the decline of readily available street-hail taxis, particularly seniors and special needs individuals, who may find it challenging to use ride-hailing apps; and 

b.     whether the Ministry works with the SG Digital Office to offer training programmes specifically targeted at helping these vulnerable groups to utilise ride-hailing apps.

Reply by Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     Street-hail services remain important in ensuring that point-to-point (P2P) transport remains accessible for all commuters, including those who are less familiar with ride-hailing apps. We will address this in our ongoing review of the P2P industry structure and regulatory framework.

2.     The SG Digital Office under Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) teaches essential digital skills to less digitally savvy individuals, based on the newly launched Digital Skills for Life Framework (DSL). This includes how to use transport and ride-hailing apps.

3.     Through the national Digital for Life movement, IMDA is working with partners such as Grab, Gojek, and ComfortDelGro to develop resources in support of DSL.