Singapore’s competition watchdog detailed a number of provisional measures last April 13, as the investigation regarding the ride-hailing giant, Grab’s deal to buy its rival firm, Uber Technologies in Southeast Asia continues.
According to the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS), the measures include blocking Grab from acquiring Uber’s operational data to set itself up at the best market position, as well as allowing Uber to continue its operations in Singapore to ease the transition both for riders as well as drivers until 07 May.
Extension for Uber’s Operation in Singapore, adjusted until 7 May
CCCS’ statement was released after its previous announcement that it had given Uber an extension to operate until 15 April.
Other measures taken by the CCCS include maintaining that drivers will not be subjected to “exclusivity contracts” as well as ensuring that ride-hailing companies stick to their pre-merger costs and commission rates.
To this, the Head of Operations of Grab Singapore, Mr. Lim Kell Jay expressed their confidence in CCCS’s effort to oversee business regulations in an industry that is highly competitive, constantly evolving, and is continuously being challenged by technology platforms and new services. They also hope that the provisional measures do not create a situation which hampers competition and prohibit businesses that have invested in the Singapore’s economy for several years already.
Mr. Lim further added that they see the merits of CCCS’ goal to provide drivers a choice, to which, they are fully throwing their support to extend Grab’s platform to all taxi drivers, even those who are under ComfortDelGro, who are apparently being limited to jobs offered by JustGrab only.
Grab acknowledges the parameters set by the CCCS, and will take this as a challenge to improve their products, provide fair and better services for both drivers and passengers, as well as to hone the local tech talet pool through Grab’s R&D centre in the region located in Singapore.
In a separate announcement, the Land transport Authority (LTA) expressed its support to the provisional measures set by the CCCS concerning both Grab and Uber.
According to LTA representatives, the LTA is currently evaluating the general regulatory guidelines in the P2P (point-to-point) sector, which includes analysing structures that can be implemented in the sector as well as the licensing process for private hire car (PHC) booking service companies. This is to ensure that the P2P sector remains transparent and well-regulated so as to prevent any single operator from monopolizing the market which will greatly affect both drivers and passengers.