Model ID: 76642628-0106-4b64-954e-3ecc4cc79cf0
Sitecore Context Id: 76642628-0106-4b64-954e-3ecc4cc79cf0;
Leaders from the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) and the National Taxi Association (NTA) had been engaging our tripartite partners, to share concerns and feedback from the ground relating to the COVID-19 situation. We are thankful for the last extension of the point-to-point support package (PPSP) announced in September 2020 which continues to benefit our drivers.
This latest announcement from the Land Transport Authority is a much-welcomed move by our drivers. We appreciate how the tripartite partners have been engaging our drivers on the ground through several dialogue sessions, noting their concerns and rolling out timely assistance. This payout will bring much relief to our drivers as even though the economy is opening, it is still not at pre-COVID levels.
It really is a tripartite effort to extend help to our drivers during this challenging period. Hence, we are also grateful to our operators for showing care towards the drivers during this period, from rolling out rental waivers and commission relief during the circuit breaker period to extending a short term relief fund for drivers on quarantine order and stay-home notices – this is a partnership on all fronts to support our drivers through this pandemic.
On NTUC’s end, since NTUC announced the NTUC Care Fund (COVID-19) (NCF) in March 2020, NTA and NPHVA have assisted more than 13,000 taxi and private hire drivers to sign up for the NCF and have successfully gotten the payout. We will continue engaging our drivers on the ground and remain vigilant to ensure that the needs and well-being of our drivers are taken care of. Our drivers are always reminded to take their temperature every day, wear a mask when they are driving, constantly sanitize their vehicle and high touch areas, wind down their window and have hand sanitizers on standby when they are on the roads. Most of our drivers have also gone for a swab test to put their minds at ease when going home to their family after their shift.
Ms Yeo Wan Ling, NTUC Director and Labour MP shared “In the last engagement session with Senior Minister of State for Transport, Amy Khor, our drivers have shared their concerns. Some of them are sole breadwinners, supporting their family and children and with border closures and COVID-19 measures in place, they are not able to earn what they did previously. Hence, we are grateful our tripartite partners have listened closely and will be providing more support for our drivers. This combined with the other assistance such as the Self-employed persons Income Reliefs Scheme and rental waivers from platforms provided some relief to our drivers. NTUC will also continue to look out for our workers, with the first tranche of the NCF and subsequently, the enhanced NCF, providing cash relief to tide them over difficult times.”
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