Since Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan announced in a blog post on Oct 2 that the government will be reviewing private car-sharing apps like Uber, we have seen some very passionate comments from members of the public on this issue. We have heard proponents and detractors of these services, drawing from needing clarity in legal framework issues to supports of these services laundering the benefits these services have provided.
YouGov Singapore recently launched a study to understand how Singaporeans perceive these private car-sharing apps like Uber, GrabTaxi and Hailo. While the use of third party apps comes second in regards to engaging a taxi, flagging down taxies from the street still come in top at 73%.
From those who currently use the service, the ease of using the app comes up tops (66%) with the ability to see availability of drivers (59%) and easier/ more convenient to getting a ride compared to other ways (52%) rounding off the top 3 reasons for using these apps.
What is also interesting to see is that private car bookings (15%) comes in as the last option for choice of vehicle to book. For those in the know, they feel that private car books are cheaper than general taxi (52%), drivers of these private cars tend to have better service (47%). Another reason is consumers feel that there tend to be more available private cars than taxis, which could change in the long run if there is a fall in private car drivers or if there are more taxis on the road.
And in regards to Mr Ang Hin Kee (National Taxi Association's executive adviser) remarks on ensuing a framework that govern these apps, majority of Singaporeans agree (53%) that the government should legislate. Details of the survey can be found in the below infographic.
Click here to download the infographic.
