PHV driver encourages passengers to get familiar with rules for smoother ride experience
A private hire vehicle driver (PHV) driver wants passengers booking PHVs to take a quiz to ensure that they know the terms and condition.
Stomper Rashid explained why in an open letter to authorities he shared with Stomp.
He wrote:
Dear Land Transport Authority and Singapore Police Force, The root cause of many problems faced by PHV drivers is largely due to passengers not reading the terms and conditions of platform service providers. Reminders by platform providers and signs placed on the back of seats often go unnoticed, as few passengers bother to read them. As a result, drivers frequently have to remind passengers, even after sending pre-defined chat messages. The responsibility of educating passengers should fall on the authorities. Some passengers dislike being reminded of the rules and, after receiving reminders, may rate drivers poorly under other available rating options. It's time for authorities to step in and educate the public. If possible, ride-hailing service providers should enforce the reading of terms and conditions thoroughly, requiring passengers to tick all the relevant codes of conduct, rules, and regulations, rather than just a single checkbox that is often ignored. Ideally, a quiz with multiple-choice questions could be introduced to ensure! that passengers are aware of the rules set by service providers, the LTA and the Traffic Police. I would appreciate that you do something to improve the safety of road users by removing the bad practices of ignorance. Thank you.
The quiz he proposed consisted of 11 multiple-choice questions.
Do you know the answers?
The Stomper said: "Some of my passengers were surprised to learn about certain rules and practices that drivers must follow.
"For instance, passengers often instruct drivers to wait right outside their office doors, but drivers typically cannot comply if the designated pick-up points, known as pick-up/drop-off points are located further away."
He cited other issues as well.
"How many times must PHV drivers remind passengers to buckle up? Not to talk to drivers when passengers are in 'quiet ride', especially when the passengers did not read the T&Cs and drivers are not expecting any sudden conversations," said the Stomper.
"They are using GPS for the best routes, and passengers must avoid requesting diversions or acting as back-seat drivers. ERP charges cannot be avoided, and since rides are fixed-fare, selecting alternative routes is not an option.
"Passengers should adhere to rules prohibiting eating, drinking, vaping, or smoking in the vehicle.
"Payments must be made through the designated platform, and early cash payments should be encouraged to prevent scams or congestion at drop-off points.
"Drivers cannot afford to waste time searching for unit numbers or ATMs, and passengers must take responsibility for their belongings when alighting.
"These constant reminders detract from the driver's primary task - providing safe and efficient transportation."
He added: "To address these issues, it is essential to mandate all ride-hailing service providers to educate passengers on complying with terms and conditions.
"Prompts must appear for first-time users and after each update of the terms and conditions with clear messaging such as 'In order to commence your next booking, you may need to complete the MCQ and pass with 100 per cent.'
"This ensures passengers remain informed of their responsibilities and stay accountable. Without full compliance, they should not be able to proceed with bookings."
The Stomper said that PHV drivers should be able to focus on driving safely rather than reminding passengers to follow regulations.
"By shifting the responsibility of education and compliance enforcement to ride-hailing platforms through mandatory prompts and quizzes, drivers can provide a more efficient and safer service," said the Stomper.
"This approach will reduce friction between drivers and passengers and streamline the ride experience."
