Due to the pandemic, private-hired drivers saw a drop in their income as more and more people are starting to work from home. Unlike other businesses, private-hired drivers were not eligible for the Job Support Scheme (JSS) provided by the government. They are only entitled to the Special Relief Fund which will soon end in September 2020.
However, there is nothing to worry about as the government is preparing to continue to provide support to these group of people.
As shared by Ms Amy Kor in a Facebook post, the government is currently working on a package of measures to further provide assistance to private-hired drivers and taxi drivers which will be announced soon.
In her post:
“It has been about one and a half months since I took on my role in the Ministry of Transport (MOT). I have spent my time getting to know the various aspects of MOT, and in particular, how the land transport sector plays an important role in the daily lives of Singaporeans. The land transport sector enables us to get around safely and conveniently and provides meaningful jobs for many Singaporeans ranging from customer service, administration, engineering, IT services, bus captains and taxi/PHC drivers.
Over the past three weeks, I’ve met with taxi and private hire car (PHC) drivers and operators. My latest visit was to Gojek with Minister Ong Ye Kung and we had a meaningful discussion with their management and driver-partners. These ongoing engagement sessions have helped me to better understand their circumstances and concerns amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many drivers shared with me that they were particularly worried about whether assistance schemes like the Government’s Special Relief Fund payouts will be extended, at least in some form. Some had also asked if we could help to safeguard the livelihoods of older drivers who are more reliant on taxi/PHC driving. Even the PHC drivers I spoke to had a similar sentiment.
I would like to assure the drivers that we are working on a package of measures to continue to help them during this period. We will take into consideration the feedback and suggestions received during our interactions and will announce this package soon.”
