\n<\/p>\n
CNA spoke to eight private-hire and taxi drivers, most of whom acknowledged the payout as a helpful gesture but called for more support if fuel prices remain elevated.<\/p>\n
“Some drivers appreciate it as a token of support, while others may see it as insufficient given the sustained increase in operating costs,” said a full-time private-hire driver who wanted to be known as Louis.<\/p>\n
He said many drivers, including himself, now spend an additional S$7 to S$10 per day on fuel.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFor someone driving daily, that can easily add up to S$150 to S$250 per month, which means the S$200 payout only offsets a short period of increased expenses.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 59-year-old drives a Honda Freed hybrid, which helps soften his fuel costs somewhat. Even so, he said his approach to work has shifted. While his hours have not changed drastically, he has become more deliberate about which trips he takes.<\/p>\n
“I’m definitely more selective with trips. I try to focus more on peak periods and areas with stronger demand to reduce idle time and unnecessary fuel burn,” he said.<\/p>\n
He acknowledged that some platform-level support has been introduced. Grab, for instance, implemented a S$1.1 million support package for its drivers covering fuel vouchers, monthly cash bonuses and cashback rebates. But he said such measures tend to be “short-term and conditional” and may not fully offset rising costs.<\/p>\n
On long-term solutions, Louis pointed to structural challenges \u2013 including demand imbalances that can lead to empty runs and wasted fuel, particularly on long trips with little chance of securing a return fare.<\/p>\n
\u201cUltimately, fuel is just one part of the equation. The bigger issue is overall cost efficiency and earnings sustainability for drivers,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Part-time private-hire driver Yusuf Azan, 41, said he views the payout as an “income buffer” that could offset about 10 per cent of his monthly operating expenses, adding that he is currently paying at least 35 per cent more for fuel.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n