A number of food delivery riders have seen their income being affected by the restriction on the use of personal mobile devices (PMD) on footpaths.
Responding to that, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA), together with NTUC, food delivery companies, Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Social and Family Development and People’s Association have formulated a Transition Assistance Package, according to a press release issued by MOT on 8 November 2019.
The Government and the three major food delivery companies have set up a $7 million e-scooter Trade-in Grant (eTG). This will include a dollar-for-dollar support for riders who trade in their existing e-scooters for alternative LTA-approved devices. Each rider will receive an eTG of up to $1,000 for PABs or $600 for bicycle.
Those with mobility difficulties who are eligible to use personal mobility aids and wish to continue working for their delivery company will receive an eTG of up to $1,000.
Riders must be existing e-scooter food delivery riders as at 7 Nov 2019 to qualify for the eTG, which will operate till 31 December 2019. Interested food delivery riders can approach their companies for more details.
MSF and ComCare schemes are also available to provide temporary financial assistance. Riders may approach the nearest Social Service Office or their nearest PA Community Club for assistance.
NTUC has also stepped in to reach out to the affected food delivery riders, with staff providing onsite support to affected food delivery riders at various Meet-the-People sessions.
“Over the last few days, our colleagues from NTUC have been speaking with food delivery riders affected by the e-scooter restriction. Our unit U FSE (Freelancers and Self-Employed) will be driving efforts to support riders who have been affected.
“Looking ahead, NTUC will review how we can organise this group of workers so as to be able to provide them with more structured support and a holistic suite of services for the longer term,” said NTUC Assistant Director-General Ang Hin Kee.
He also added that NTUC will explore collaborating with food delivery companies and other relevant partners on how to equip riders with some form of insurance coverage.
NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) are already working with the three food delivery companies to provide career services and job search support under the Adapt and Grow initiative.
Affected drivers will receive customised information on career events starting from next week. They can also contact WSG directly via hotline (68835885) or visit any of the five WSG’s Careers Connect and NTUC’s e2i centres for immediate assistance.
e2i is also working with Grab to provide a dedicated job fair for their food delivery riders next week. It will work with other companies to identify job opportunities for those seeking full-time or part-time/flexible jobs.
Riders seeking career advice can contact NTUC’s e2i at 6474 0606 or approach their career coaches at either e2i west or e2i central. To minimise waiting time, riders have been advised to book an appointment.
