Singapore’s strategy to vaccinate 50,000 active taxi and private hire car drivers starts today

Singapore’s strategy to vaccinate over 50,000 active taxi and private hire car (PHC) drivers has started today.

As part of the joint effort by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) the national vaccination plan aims to protect frontline land transport workers and strengthen the resilience of their essential transport services

The role out today is also supported by the National Taxi Association (NTA), the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA), and the taxi and PHC operators.

By the end of this week, over 50,000 active taxi and PHC drivers will receive SMSes with a unique link for them to book their vaccination appointments at any of the vaccination centres, 20 polyclinics, or Public Health Preparedness Clinics operating as vaccination sites.

Drivers are being encouraged to step forward to be vaccinated in order to help strengthen the resilience of Singapore’s essential transport services.

Ng Lang, LTA Chief Executive, said: “Vaccination can give our taxi and PHC drivers additional peace of mind by ensuring protection for them and their families. It will also give assurance to those who take taxis and PHCs, and contribute to the overall community resilience against COVID-19. We encourage eligible drivers to take up this vaccination offer.”

Yeo Wan Ling, Director at the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Labour MP, said: “Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NTA and NPHVA have been working closely with our point-to-point drivers and tripartite partners to offer a safe commuting experience. They have been maintaining good personal hygiene, upkeeping the cleanliness of their vehicles and practicing safe management measures while ferrying commuters. Our drivers also want to do their part in Singapore’s vaccination strategy. This move will further protect them, their families, as well as our commuters."