The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded a Street-hail Service Operator Licence (SSOL) to GrabCab Pte Ltd (“GrabCab”), a subsidiary of Grab Rentals Pte Ltd, and sister company of GrabCar Pte Ltd, which holds a Ride-hail Service Operator Licence (RSOL) and a Car-pool Service Operator Licence (CSOL).
2 GrabCab’s entry into the street-hail sector brings the total number of taxi operators to six, providing drivers and commuters with more choices 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.
3 Valid for 10 years, the licence will commence from 9 April 2025. 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.
4 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.
