New online channel for public to report illegal ride-hailing services
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Ten illegal drivers had their foreign-registered vehicles impounded during a sting operation conducted at Changi Airport on July 18.
PHOTOS: SCREENGRAB FROM LTA/FACEBOOK
Follow topic:
- LTA launched an online form on OneMotoring for the public to report illegal ride-hailing, aiding investigations into unlicensed point-to-point transport.
- Recent LTA enforcement led to 32 arrests at Changi Airport and Gardens by the Bay, prompted by public and NPHVA tip-offs.
- Illegal drivers face fines of up to $3,000, jail and vehicle forfeiture; LTA warns of safety risks and impact on licensed drivers.
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SINGAPORE - It is now easier for the public to report illegal ride-hailing services with a new online form that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has launched on its OneMotoring website.
The initiative is part of LTA’s ongoing crackdown on unlicensed drivers providing point-to-point transport services within Singapore, as well as those ferrying passengers across the border to Malaysia.
The new reporting platform
Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling said on Facebook on July 23 that the reporting channel was set up for users to provide information on foreign-registered cars providing ride-hailing services.
“Let us work together to protect the interests of both passengers and drivers,” she added.
Two recent enforcement operations were conducted on July 11 and 18. Acting on tip-offs from the public and the National Private Hire Vehicles Association, LTA officers arrested 32 people at Changi Airport and Gardens by the Bay for providing illegal ride-hailing services.
The vehicles involved were impounded. These unlicensed drivers offered rides within Singapore and cross-border services.
In a separate Facebook post on July 23, Ms Yeo Wan Ling, who is NPHVA’s adviser, said that LTA’s latest initiative will “improve deterrence, enforcement, and response times against illegal drivers”.
“These illegal services are dangerous for passengers as they lack proper insurance coverage and safety standards, leaving passengers vulnerable with no recourse for compensation. They also harm the professionalism of our industry and undermine licensed drivers’ livelihoods,” said Ms Yeo.
Under the current legislation, vehicles must have a valid Public Service Vehicle Licence (PSVL) to offer point-to-point transport services in Singapore as well as for cross-border services.
Offenders can be fined up to $3,000, jailed for up to six months, or both. Their vehicle can also be forfeited.
Cross-border transport is restricted to Singapore- and Malaysia-registered taxis that have been approved by the authorities of both countries.
These taxis can pick up and drop off passengers only at designated locations.
Besides the PSVL, Malaysia-registered taxis must also have an Asean Public Service Vehicle Permit.
In a July 19 Facebook post, the LTA warned the public against using illegal ride-hailing services because the vehicles do not have the necessary insurance and pose safety risks.
In addition, passengers who use such services may find their journeys affected during enforcement operations.
LTA also highlighted how such services affect the livelihood of licensed drivers.
Since 2022, the authorities have caught 104 drivers for using foreign-registered vehicles for cross-border trips without permission.
LTA said those who have been charged and convicted had been slapped with fines of up to $2,600 and vehicle forfeiture.
