GrabCab now S'pore's 6th taxi operator with street-hailing licence, taxi operations commencing Apr. 9

Grab has been awarded a street-hail service operator licence by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), making it the sixth taxi operator in Singapore.

Grab's taxi arm will be known as GrabCab.

According to a press release by LTA, 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.

Licence has multiple requirements

The licence for GrabCab also comes with multiple requirements, which are consistent with that of other existing street-hail operators.

This includes ensuring that its taxis are easily identifiable by street-hail customers, including having a prominent roof-top sign and a distinctive livery scheme.

GrabCab's vehicle models must also 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.

The licence will be valid for 10 years and will commence from Apr. 9, 2025.

Grab to sponsor taxi licence course fees for new members

In response to media queries, a spokesperson for Grab said the licence by LTA will enable Grab to meet "unmet consumer demand" and improve ride availability, particularly during peak hours, late nights and in areas only accessible by taxis.

The spokesperson also said that Grab will sponsor the taxi driver’s vocational license course fees for aspiring taxi drivers and six-month National Taxi Association membership fees for new members planning to join GrabCab.

Drivers can register their interest here, starting today.

Grab also said its GrabCab fleet, which is due to be launched in the coming months, will be entirely green and feature "popular" low- and zero-emission hybrid and electric vehicles.

The spokesperson added:

"Grab remains committed to maintaining an open and fair platform for all PHV (private hire vehicles) and taxi drivers. We will continue to treat all drivers fairly, match them with optimal bookings, and empower them to maximise their productivity on our platform. This approach also ensures our marketplace remains efficient, providing consumers with a better ride-hailing experience."

Top images by Syahindah Ishak