Grab Singapore has announced that it will be keeping tabs on drivers to ensure that they conform to new ridesharing regulations. The new Grab Enforcement Team will be equipped with green motorcycles to ensure that Grab drivers have the correct licenses to keep operating on the roads.
Singapore signed into law new regulations to legalise ridesharing services this year, requiring drivers to apply for a Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational License (PDVL). Drivers must attend a year-long course in order to qualify for the PDVL, although existing drivers will be able to continue their activities with a concession letter from the Land Transportation Authority until issued with the proper license.
Grab has not specified as to how the enforcement team will go about their jobs yet. Although, it’s like that the team will be able to track drivers at all times and drop in on them between trips.
This turn of events is particularly interesting for Malaysia, as the country is looking to implement similar regulations. Amendments to the Land Public Transport Act are set to introduce a driver’s card for e-hailing services, although qualifications for the card are not yet known.
That said, policing Grab drivers is far easier in Singapore than it is in Malaysia. Which may mean that the ridesharing company may be looking at other alternatives for enforcing local regulations.
Still, it’s a good sign that Grab is willing to invest in a team to check up on its own drivers. With any luck, that policy will also extend to Malaysia when the time comes.
[Source: Tech In Asia]
