NTUC calls on platform operators to provide greater fare and fee structure transparency

NTUC is calling on platform operators to provide greater transparency in their fare structures and incentive schemes, following an engagement session with over 60 platform workers who raised concerns about earnings uncertainty and safety risks.

At the engagement session on 26 August 2025 at Fernvale Community Club, NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng met with delivery riders, private hire drivers, and taxi drivers who shared concerns about unclear fare calculations and incentive schemes that encourage excessive working hours.

Workers seek clarity on earnings

Platform workers highlighted the lack of clear breakdowns on how their earnings are determined, making it difficult to judge whether they are being paid fairly or to make informed decisions about their work schedules.

Muhd Khairil, who has worked as a delivery rider for three years, echoed these concerns: “There’s a lack of transparency in how platform operators calculate our pay. The distance-based fare shown on the app isn’t always clear or consistent.

“We need less uncertainty about our daily earnings,” he said.

Private hire driver Francis Loo highlighted how unfair competition affects pricing decisions: “The competition in our industry is fundamentally unfair.

“Foreign drivers have significant advantages – their vehicles are cheaper, their fuel costs are lower. This means they can afford to lower prices in ways we simply cannot,” he said.

In response to these concerns, NTUC and its affiliated Platform Work Associations (PWAs), which includes the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA), National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA), and the National Taxi Association (NTA), are working with platform operators to provide workers with clearer information on their earnings on a per-job basis.

“Platform workers deserve transparency and fairness in the systems they depend on for their livelihoods.

“All platform operators should provide workers with clear information on the components of their earnings so that workers can make informed decisions about their working hours and earnings potential,” said Mr Ng.

Enforcement action yields results

Following platform workers’ concerns raised at a July 2025 engagement session, NTUC called for a trilateral workgroup to address illegal competition issues affecting local platform workers’ livelihoods.

The issue stems from illegal delivery activities where some platform worker accounts are being shared with family members or rented out to foreigners without valid work permits.

Additionally, illegal ride services operate outside the regulated framework, undermining legitimate drivers who comply with licensing requirements and insurance obligations.

Mr Loo noted the scale of illegal ride-sharing platforms: “These Telegram-based platforms have been a persistent issue. At their peak, they had around 199,000 members, and currently, they’re still sitting at about 143,000 members.

“What’s most concerning is that many of these drivers aren’t properly registered.”

Since then, NTUC and its affiliated PWAs have been working with the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on co-ordinated enforcement action against illegal platform activities.

The enforcement efforts have led to over 70 vehicles being impounded and three foreigners working delivery jobs arrested and under investigation for working illegally, sending a clear deterrent message to illegal platform workers.

The crackdown has already yielded positive results for legitimate workers. Taxi drivers, particularly those operating cross-border between Singapore and Malaysia, have reported up to 30 per cent improvement in their earnings since the enforcement began.

In the ride-hailing space, drivers have reported up to 15 per cent improvement in their earnings, with drivers of premium and larger vehicles operating around entry points and key tourist locations such as Gardens by the Bay and Changi Airport benefitting particularly.

“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,” said Mr Ng.

Want stronger representation and protection as a platform worker?

NTUC and its Platform Work Associations are working to improve fare transparency and protect workers’ livelihoods. Join your relevant association to have your voice heard.

National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) for private-hire drivers

National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA) for delivery workers

National Taxi Association (NTA) for taxi drivers