Dear Minister,
We, the undersigned private hire drivers, collectively address this letter to express our growing concern regarding the prevailing situation faced by drivers within the ride-hailing industry in Singapore.
What started as a gig economy opportunity has now evolved into a substantial source of income for thousands of Singaporeans, many of whom rely on driving full-time with ride-hailing companies to sustain their families' livelihoods.
We believe that it is imperative for the authorities to address the predicament that these drivers find themselves in.
We seek your esteemed attention to the challenges we confront due to the persistent issue of low income resulting from the existing low fare structure.
Despite the consistent efforts and dedication we contribute to our profession, the current fare rates have led to an alarming decline in our earnings.
The juxtaposition of our diminishing incomes with the steadily increasing costs of car rental fees, insurance premiums, fuel prices, general expenses, and the overall cost of living has placed us in a precarious financial situation.
Moreover, the safety of drivers has become a pressing concern. The need to extend our driving hours to attain a reasonable income has compromised our wellbeing and poses a potential threat to road safety.
Prolonged driving hours not only adversely affect our health but also increase the likelihood of accidents due to fatigue.
A crucial aspect of our plea pertains to the incentive schemes implemented by ride-hailing companies.
The stringent nature of these incentive programs often forces us to work excessively long hours, sometimes up to 16 hours per day, to meet the thresholds necessary for incentives. This practice is detrimental to our overall quality of life and well-being.
We, the undersigned private hire drivers, implore the Ministry of Transport to consider our appeal for a revision in the base fare for rides facilitated through ride-hailing platforms.
A reasonable increase in the base fare will alleviate the financial burdens we face and provide us with a fair income to sustain our livelihoods.
Additionally, we earnestly request the ministry's intervention to establish protective measures against ride-hailing companies implementing unsustainable incentive schemes that compromise our health, safety, and quality of life.
We understand the importance of maintaining a thriving ride-hailing industry that benefits both drivers and passengers alike.
A balanced approach that safeguards the interests of all stakeholders, including the drivers who are the backbone of this industry, is essential.
As responsible and law-abiding citizens, we are committed to contributing our best efforts to ensure a safe and reliable transportation service for all.
We sincerely hope that our appeal garners your attention and support. Our united effort signifies the urgency and gravity of the situation.
We kindly request an opportunity to discuss this matter further and to explore potential solutions that will mutually benefit drivers and the ride-hailing industry as a whole.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and dedication to serving the interests of the people of Singapore.
We remain hopeful that our appeal will lead to positive changes that enhance the well-being and livelihoods of private hire drivers.
Yours sincerely,