The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded a Street-hail Service Operator Licence (SSOL) to GrabCab, a subsidiary of Grab Rentals and sister company of GrabCar, which holds a Ride-hail Service Operator Licence (RSOL) and a Car-pool Service Operator Licence (CSOL).
GrabCab’s entry into the street-hail sector brings the total number of taxi operators in Singapore to six, and is expected to boost taxi supply. Under the licence, GrabCab will be allowed a three-year grace period to progressively expand their fleet to meet the minimum fleet size requirement of 800 taxis.
Valid for 10 years, the licence will commence from April 9. GrabCab will need to comply with the conditions of its licence, including meeting LTA’s safety standards and ensuring that partnership arrangements with drivers are non-exclusive in nature.
GrabCab’s licence terms are consistent with that of other existing street-hail operators. GrabCab must ensure that its taxis are easily identifiable by street-hail customers, including having a prominent roof-top sign and a distinctive livery scheme. Its vehicle models must be approved by LTA, and must meet requirements such as having sufficient boot space to carry a folded wheelchair or luggage.
Its street-hail services must also follow the same taxi fare structure components as other street-hail operators and its fare must be prominently displayed, so that passengers are informed on the applicable fare rates.
Commenting on the matter, a Grab spokesperson says: “Grab is grateful to LTA for granting us a taxi license, which provides us the opportunity to introduce GrabCab, a taxi fleet to complement private hire cars on our platform. This enables us to address unmet consumer demand and improve ride availability, particularly during peak hours, late nights and in areas only accessible by taxis. It also positions us to better serve the anticipated growth in point-to-point rides in the coming years, while catering to consumers who prefer street-hailing."
Grab will be sponsoring the Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licence course fees for aspiring taxi drivers and six-month National Taxi Association membership fees for new members planning to join GrabCab.
"In the coming months, we will launch our 100% green GrabCab fleet, featuring popular low- and zero-emission hybrid and electric vehicles from leading manufacturers, offering consumers a greener way to travel. We will work with GrabCab drivers to uphold high service standards, and leverage our industry-leading technology to enhance safety and convenience for all," says the spokesperson, adding that some planned initiatives include deploying Internet of Things (IoT) devices to promote safe driving practices and digitalising the street-hail and relief driver matching experiences for increased convenience.
"Grab remains committed to maintaining an open and fair platform for all PHV and taxi drivers. We will continue to treat all drivers fairly, match them with optimal bookings, and empower them to maximise their productivity on our platform. This approach also ensures our marketplace remains efficient, providing consumers with a better ride-hailing experience," the group adds.
