Committee of Supply 2025 debate, Day 4: Amy Khor on more steps to level playing field between taxis, private-hire cars

Taxi operators will have more flexibility to manage their fleets, by being allowed to convert used cars that are less than five years old into cabs. This may help them reduce costs, said Senior Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor. It is one measure the authorities are taking to further level the playing field between taxis and private-hire cars (PHCs). Taxi operators will also be allowed to resell cabs that are more than three years old, up to five per cent of their fleets. This aims to reduce their risk in trialling new taxi models, such as multi-purpose vehicles. Meanwhile, measures will be introduced to stabilise the supply of PHCs. A vehicle’s history as a PHC or taxi must now be disclosed for all newly registered, converted or transferred vehicles. In parliament on Wednesday (Mar 5), Dr Khor explained why there are no plans to create a separate Certificate of Entitlement (COE) category for PHCs. On electric vehicles (EVs), she said adoption has grown significantly and the charging network continues to expand. A grant to co-fund the installation of EV chargers at private homes such as condominiums is being extended by another year. Dr Khor also revealed that there will be tougher penalties for traffic offences at "Friendly Streets" and lower speed limits will be enforced all day at Enhanced School Zones in front of primary schools.