The Singapore PHV Challenge, intended as a morale booster for private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers, crowns a winner but raises safety concerns over long driving hours.
As a means to boost morale among PHV drivers in Singapore, PHV driver Shawn Lee organized a unique challenge – to earn the most money in 24 hours. The top earner would be rewarded with a luxurious two-day-one-night staycation at Hotel Ora in Sentosa, provided they crossed the minimum earnings threshold of S$500.
The winner of this challenge-turned-marathon was a Gojek car driver, James Lim. Showing exceptional tenacity and perseverance, Lim managed to earn a whopping S$1,017 through 48 trips, clocking in a 22-hour session. The second and third spots were also taken by worthy competitors, earning S$831 and S$778 respectively.
Despite the success in terms of participation and earnings, the Singapore PHV Challenge didn’t steer clear of controversy. Many voiced their concerns about the potential dangers of such long-hour driving sessions. Driving while fatigued could pose a significant risk to both the passengers and fellow road users, a factor that seemed to be overlooked amidst the cheer and competition.
Moreover, some expressed public opinion veered more towards disapproval, with some observers expressing concerns about such competitions might draw negative attention and alter the public’s perception of the PHV industry.
While no guidelines were specifically mentioned for such competitions, the Ministry of Manpower does have a set of rules for driving hours and fatigue prevention. These suggest taking a break of 15 minutes after every two hours of driving and limiting shifts to under 12 hours.
