HDT Singapore Taxi secures operator licence from LTA

They will operate at least 800 e-taxis in 4 years.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) granted a full-fledged taxi service operator licence (TSOL) to HDT Singapore Taxi (HDTT), an announcement revealed. Under the licence, HDTT will be required to operate at least 800 e-taxis in Singapore.

The deal requires HDTT to convert its existing fleet of e-taxis, and register them as regular taxis by 31 August. The taxi operator will progressively increase its fleet size to a minimum of 800 taxis within 4 years using an employer-employee model.

“HDTT’s business proposal, company organisational structure, past performance records and financial capabilities have demonstrated the company’s business viability and ability to operate a full-fledged taxi service,” LTA said.

For its service, the firm needs to secure sufficient charging stations island-wide for its fleet. HDTT will also need to comply with taxi availability standards and quality of service standards set by the LTA.

Before the licence grant, HDTT underwent a two-year trial under the Transport Innovation & Development Scheme (TIDES-PLUS) involving 100 electric taxis. It is poised to be the seventh taxi operator in Singapore.

LTA has granted a 10-year TSOL for HDTT, which will take effect on 1 August.