Close to 60 delivery riders, private hire drivers, and taxi drivers (collectively known as platform workers) gathered at Fernvale Community Club today (Aug 26) to share their concerns about how platform fares are calculated.
The engagement session, led by NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, follows a similar session in July where workers highlighted their challenges.
Concerns raised by platform workers
Workers said fare calculations were unclear, and incentive schemes pushed them to work longer hours, raising both safety concerns and uncertainty about their earnings.
Many also pointed out that they do not get clear breakdowns of their pay, making it hard to judge if they are being paid fairly or to plan their work schedules.
Ng Chee Meng said:
“Platform workers deserve transparency and fairness in the systems they depend on for their livelihoods. A key issue remains the lack of transparency in fare components. All Platform operators should provide workers with clear information on the components of their earnings so that workers can make informed decisions about their working hours and earnings potential.”
NTUC pushes for clear fare calculations
In response to the platform workers’ concerns, NTUC and its affiliated Platform Work Associations (PWAs), the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA), National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA), and the National Taxi Association (NTA), are working with platform operators to improve transparency in fare calculations.
This could include clearer breakdowns such as platform fees, commission, and other charges for each job, allowing workers to understand better how their fares are determined and make more informed decisions.
Enforcement against illegal competition
The call for fare transparency comes on top of NTUC’s earlier push in July for stronger action against illegal platform activities.
Since then, NTUC and its affiliated associations have been working with the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on enforcement.
Local drivers join forces to bao toh illegal private cars still secretly earning money to LTA
The authorities have already impounded more than 70 vehicles and arrested three foreigners for working illegally in delivery jobs.
Since enforcement began, some drivers have already seen better earnings. Taxi drivers, especially those running cross-border trips between Singapore and Malaysia, reported increases of up to 30 per cent. Ride-hailing drivers also saw improvements of up to 15 per cent, with premium and larger vehicles near entry points and tourist spots benefitting the most.
The labour chief said:
“ NTUC and our affiliated PWAs moved quickly when our platform workers raised concerns. Following tip-offs provided by our associations, I am pleased that the authorities have taken swift action against illegal platform activities. We will continue to work together to protect workers’ livelihoods.”
NTUC also added that it will continue to push for:
- Greater transparency in fare structures and incentives.
- Stronger enforcement against illegal competition.
The goal, it added, is to ensure platform workers have fair and safe working conditions.
