Policies
Taxis and private hire cars (PHCs) offer commuters options for direct commutes and complement our bus and MRT networks. As such point-to-point transport services evolve, we will ensure that our policies and regulations continue to protect the interests of both drivers and commuters.
The Point-to-Point Transport Regulatory Framework, which aims to protect the interests of commuters and drivers, applies to transport operators with 800 or more taxis or PHCs. The framework was last updated in October 2020 in response to a growing range of point-to-point transport services. Under the regulatory framework, three types of operator licences are issued:
- Street-hail Service Operator Licence (SSOL), which applies to taxi operators that rent out taxis for passenger pick-ups along the roads and at taxi stands;
- Ride-hail Service Operator Licence (RSOL), which applies to platform operators that take bookings for rides, including limited RSOLs for taxi operators to offer call-booking services, and
- Car-pool Service Operator Licences (CSOLs), which apply to platform operators providing matching services for car-pooling trips.
Licensees must comply with the conditions of their licences, including meeting LTA’s safety and quality standards, and ensuring that partnership arrangements with drivers are non-exclusive. There are five SSOL licensees, five RSOL licensees, and two CSOL licensees.
To keep pace with evolving driver and commuter needs, as well as to keep up with structural changes in the market, MOT and LTA has embarked on a review of the industry structure and regulatory framework since Sep 2023. The review covers the following areas:
- Availability of P2P supply – to improve the supply of P2P services throughout the day, including during late-night hours;
- Resilience of P2P services – to ensure that operators are able to provide P2P services with minimal disruptions and downtime;
- Inclusivity of P2P transport – to improve P2P services for commuter groups with additional needs e.g. wheelchair users and families with young children.
Learn more about taxis and private hire cars.
Street-hail and ride-hail operators set their own fares, which take into account the supply and demand for such services. Some operators also offer customised services that cater to commuters with pets and families with young children. For every service type, operators have the flexibility to set fares which both their drivers and commuters can accept.
While the Public Transport Council (PTC) does not intervene in the setting of fares, the PTC ensures that fares are transparent, clearly communicated, and easy to understand so that commuters can make an informed choice about the type of service to use.
For taxi trips based on metered fares, licensed operators are required to publish the booking charges, metered charges per distance and other surcharges. For ride-hail trips based on flat fares, operators have to make clear to commuters, at the point of booking, the fare that will be charged for the trip. Operators also have to publish the quantum for any additional charges that may be levied (e.g. fee for unplanned additional stops).
To safeguard the interests of drivers and their commuters, PTC will take action against fare evasion by commuters and overcharging by drivers for trips booked through licensed street-hail and ride-hail operators.
