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Unfortunately, it’s also a great way to catch the coronavirus, as you are huddled with several people in an enclosed space for a significant period of time.
This is why the Land Transport Authority (LTA) disallowed all forms of commercial car-pooling services during Phase 2 (Heightened Alert).
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Now that the period of tightened measures is ending, however, these services can finally resume.
But not for everyone.
Licensed Carpooling Services to Resume from 14 June But Those in Telegram Groups Still Banned
Paid car-pooling services that are matched through licensed ride-hail platforms may resume from 14 June, LTA said yesterday (11 June).
This means that operators such as Grab and Ryde may resume offering their popular GrabHitch and RydePool services.
However, if you regularly book your carpooling services through Telegram, then I have bad news for you.
LTA said that carpooling services that are offered on “informal platforms” such as Telegram remain illegal.
But you can bet your 65 boxes of face masks that people will continue to offer and accept carpooling services on the text messaging app.
If the carpool trip doesn’t involve payment, such as those between families and friends, the authorities will permit it, as long as you adhere to the prevailing permissible group size of five people.
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2-passenger Limit for Taxis and Private-hire Cars to be Lifted
There’s more good news for both chauffeurs and passengers: LTA will lift the 2-passenger limit for taxis and private hire cars starting from 14 June 2021.
This is in accordance with Singapore’s updated restrictions on permissible group sizes.
This comes a month after LTA announced that taxis and private-hire cars could carry only up to two passengers, thanks to the COVID-19 outbreak in the community.
Now that the permissible size for social gatherings will be increased, so will the number of permitted passengers in taxis and private-hire cars.
Both chauffeurs and passengers must wear their masks at all times, though, and chauffeurs should decline to ferry passengers who do not wear masks, LTA said.
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Cabbies & Private-hire car Drivers Encouraged to Bring TraceTogether Token or Install App
LTA also strongly encouraged all taxi drivers, private-hire car drivers, and passengers to bring their TraceTogether token or keep their TraceTogether app on their smartphone to facilitate contact tracing efforts.
These days, you’ll need the TraceTogether token or app to enter most places in the country, so you might as well keep the token with you at all times or download the app.
As LTA said: “Early detection of close contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases will help to protect drivers, passengers and their loved ones, and prevent further spread in the community.”
Featured Image: joyfull/ Shutterstock.com
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