Gojek Driver Suspended For Having a Parrot in His Vehicle

Parrot-astrophe: Gojek Driver Suspended After Unusual Avian Passenger Raises Safety Concerns for Commuter

Imagine this: You’re late for an important appointment at work. You quickly book a private hire car and board it, only to be confronted by your worst nightmare: the driver would not stop squawking at you.

Only instead of the driver, it’s an actual parrot.

This was the scenario 42-year-old civil servant Xiao was confronted with on the morning of 22 November 2023. 

(This is especially ironic, as another Gojek driver had allegedly chased an 11-year-old girl out of his car for having a pet bird with her.) 

A Feathered Fiasco

According to Lianhe Zaobao, Xiao was greeted by the sight of a red-and-blue parrot perched on the driver’s shoulder, staring at her upon entering the vehicle.

Stunned, but having no choice since she was already in a rush, she reluctantly proceeded with the journey to her workplace.

Perhaps it was due to meeting a stranger, but the parrot began to squawk nonstop after Xiao boarded, causing her discomfort due to the ear-piercing noise.

According to Xiao, the driver would also gently pet and soothe the parrot throughout the 22-minute ride, and his distraction would occasionally cause the car to sway slightly on a curved road.

(Don’t get me wrong, we love a good pet dad, but there’s a time and place for everything, man…)

The driver did not send a text beforehand to notify of the parrot’s presence. Even after Xiao boarded, the driver did not explain why he had the parrot with him.

Regardless of the driver’s reasons for bringing the parrot, Xiao emphasised that it could easily distract the driver, making it unsafe to drive in such conditions.

Xiao later reported the incident to Gojek.

The Consequences Faced by Gojek Driver

According to photos provided by Xiao, the red-and-blue parrot is believed to be an Eclectus Parrot, a species known for its strong ability to mimic speech.

They are relatively expensive, with each bird priced between S$600 to over S$2,000.

In response to inquiries from Lianhe Zaobao, Gojek stated that they immediately launched an investigation upon learning of the incident.

They communicated with the driver and passenger involved and took necessary actions to address the issue.

The spokesperson further stressed Gojek’s commitment to passenger well-being and ensuring a safe and pleasant environment, as well as maintaining high standards for driver service and behaviour.

The driver was subsequently suspended for seven days, and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is currently investigating the incident.

Under section 65 of the Road Traffic Act (RTA), it is an offence to drive a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other road users.

Upon conviction, penalties include a maximum fine of S$1,500, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Repeat offenders may face a maximum fine of S$3,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

Under the same article, if reckless driving results in injury, serious injury, or death to others, different levels of penalties may apply.