The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is pushing for greater transparency in fare structures for platform workers, following a recent engagement session with over 60 delivery riders, private hire drivers, and taxi drivers. The session, a follow-up to a similar one in July, was a platform for workers to voice their ongoing frustrations about unclear fare calculations and incentive schemes that encourage long, unsafe hours.
Workers shared that the lack of clear breakdowns on how their earnings are determined makes it difficult for them to judge whether they are being paid fairly or to make informed decisions about their work schedules.
Labour Chief Ng Chee Meng reiterated that platform workers deserve transparency and fairness, and urged operators to provide clear information on fare components. This would allow workers to make better decisions about their working hours and earnings potential. In response, NTUC and its affiliated associations—the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA), National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA), and the National Taxi Association (NTA)—are actively working with platform operators to provide clearer, per-job information.
Beyond fare transparency, the dialogue highlighted the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement actions against illegal platform activities. These efforts were a result of the Trilateral Workgroup initiated by NTUC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Manpower, following a July 2025 engagement session.
The enforcement has already yielded tangible results. More than 70 vehicles have been impounded and three foreign workers arrested for working illegally. These actions have had a direct and positive impact on the earnings of legitimate platform workers. Cross-border taxi drivers have reported up to a 30 per cent improvement in their earnings, while ride-hailing drivers have seen an improvement of up to 10 to 15 per cent. The enforcement particularly benefited drivers of premium and larger vehicles operating around key tourist locations.
Ng Chee Meng expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes, stating, “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.”
