Expect a drop in driver supply for private hire cars

As the state enforces vocational license framework.

There could be a drop in driver supply for private hire cars as the Land Transport Authority implements the Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence (PDVL) framework.

RHB analyst Shekhar Jaiswal said that around 15% to 20% of the private hire car fleet was taken off the road due to the implementation of the PDVL.

"Reasons cited by PHC drivers for the likely reduction in the fleet size include drivers unwilling to display decals on self-owned vehicles, and delays in part-time drivers acquiring the PDVL," Jaiswal noted.

Citing reports from the media, he indicated that only 27,000 private hire cars, or around 63% of the total population, had decals affixed.

"We have long stated that the implementation of the PDVL would limit the PHC driver supply, especially due to its course requirements, employment terms related to the nationality of the driver, and PHC cars being registered and identified with a tamper-proof decal," he noted.