Singapore will be transitioning out of Phase 2 Heightened Alert on 10 August 2021. Measures will be relaxed that will allow larger size groups to gather and dine out.
Safe Management Guidelines for Taxis and Private-Hire Cars from 10 August 2021
The Land Transport Authority of Singapore (LTA) has provided an update on social media on the latest measures and how they would impact taxi, private-hire and carpool drivers.
The two-passenger limit will be lifted and the new permissible group size is now at five excluding the driver. 6-seaters drivers will be allowed to take up to 5 passengers while 4-seater will be able to take up to 4 passengers.
Carpooling services such as Grabhitch and RydePool are also allowed to resume. Informal carpooling arranged through mediums like Telegram groups remains illegal and should be strictly avoided. The Land Transport Authority of Singapore (LTA) recently conducted enforcement on illegal carpooling and impounded the vehicles for investigations.
Carpooling trips that do not involve payment such as those between families and friends are allowed, subjected to the permissible group size of 5 including the driver.
Relaxing of measures does not mean we are safe
Private-hire and taxi drivers are at the frontline and have an increased risk of contracting diseases. At the end of June 2021, it was reported that there were 43 infected private-hire and taxi drivers.
With more people going out and back to the office, ride volume should see an increase. Stay safe, disinfect your car frequently and protect yourself and your family.
