The Department of Land Transport (DLT) is introducing new rules to make things “fairer” between regular-metered taxis and ride-hailing app Grab.
In a The Nation article, all ride-hailing services–including taxis and motorbike taxis–must register within 90 days with the government. They will also need to follow official standards set by the DLT.
DLT Director-General Jirut Wisanjit said that the new rules come from a proposal by the Electronic Transactions Commissions. These rules will make sure that all ride-hailing vehicles are legally registered and use approved apps.
The Transport Ministry has asked the DLT to meet with ride-hailing companies to help them follow the law and suggest ways to improve services. The aim is to create healthy competition between app-based rides and traditional taxis.
Companies must register their vehicles under special categories (Ror Yor 17 and Ror Yor 18) and ensure drivers “have public driver’s licences”. Transport offices now offer instant criminal background checks to speed up the licensing process.
The DLT is also checking how much commissions the apps charge to make sure it’s fair for drivers, passengers, and the platforms.
This and more are part of a new law called the “Draft Announcement on Digital Platform Services: Ride-Sharing Vehicles and Motorbikes”, which will take effect in 90 days. This requires all ride-sharing cars and bikes to be registered, drivers to have proper licences, and fare rates to follow legal requirements. Apps must also punish bad drivers and share vehicle and fare details with the DLT.