Singapore to review private car-sharing apps

Private car-sharing apps like uberX will be reviewed by Singapore's transport ministry to ensure a "level playing field", an official said on Friday.

The review will be undertaken by Senior Minister of State for Transport Ng Chee Meng in consultation with taxi drivers and the general public to "forge a fair solution", said Khaw Boon Wan in his first blog post as transport minister.

Khaw said a number of taxi drivers he met while he was campaigning during the recent general election felt that car-sharing apps such as uberX are unfair as drivers using the apps do not need a vocational licence.

Khaw understood taxi drivers' demand that the playing field be level, but banning the app like what Germany has done is an "over-reaction".

He added that a balanced approach is important, stressing that an open mind to innovations should be kept, and meanwhile all players should be treated fairly.