ComfortDelGro introduces new temporary driver fee, increases meter fare to better support cabbies

[SINGAPORE] Taxi operator ComfortDelGro (CDG) will roll out a temporary driver fee for ride-hailing bookings and raise metered taxi rates, as part of measures to support cabbies grappling with higher operating costs amid rising fuel prices.

Under the changes, bookings made via its app will incur a drive fee of S$0.50 for fares below S$15, and a S$0.80 fee for fares of S$15 and above. Separately, metered trips will see a S$0.01 increase in the distance time rate. 

In a press release on Tuesday (Mar 17), the listed transport behemoth said all of these fees will go directly to CDG’s drivers. 

The temporary measures will take effect from Mar 24 to May 31. 

The move comes on top of earlier support initiatives introduced earlier this month to cushion drivers’ cost pressures amid the ongoing Iran war. This includes absorbing a portion of increased fuel costs at its petrol pumps. 

The group also introduced a taxi fuel credit incentive programme on Mar 15 to further support drivers. 

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain committed to ensuring operational stability for our partners during this volatile period,” said CDG head of Singapore point-to-point mobility business Michael Huang.

CDG shares closed 0.7 per cent or S$0.01 lower at S$1.44 on Tuesday, before the news.