PMD riders were left in the lurch when a sudden ban was announced recently. Some had spent money buying a UL2272 electric scooter but still could not ride on the footpaths. Nparks also announced fines for riding e-scooters on the grass patch.
Who is listening to the PMD riders?
PMD riders have been going to different Meet-the-People sessions to air their grievances to the MPs.
At one session with MP Desmond Lee and NTUC and union, he said if any rider has immediate issues because of what has happened, they could share their concerns and he will follow up to provide support.
It was also recently announced that together with NTUC, MOM, MSF, and the food delivery companies, MOT and LTA have formulated a Transition Assistance Package (TAP) to provide comprehensive assistance to the affected riders.
What is in the Transition Assistance Package (TAP)?
1. Trade-in Grant (eTG) to help riders switch to bicycles, Power Assisted Bicycles (PABs) or Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs).
This is a $7 million e-scooter trade-in grant set up by the government and the three major food delivery companies (Grab, Deliveroo and Foodpanda).
Each rider will receive an eTG of:
- up to $1,000 for PABs or
- $600 for bicycle.
Delivery riders with mobility difficulties who are eligible to use PMAs and wish to continue working for their delivery company will also receive an eTG of up to $1,000.
The eTG scheme will be administered by Grab, Deliveroo and Foodpanda, which are also working with retailers to bulk purchase the alternative devices and bring down costs for riders.
Under this scheme, LTA will match dollar-for-dollar the food delivery companies’ funding support for their food delivery riders who trade in their existing e-scooters for alternative LTA-approved devices.
How can riders tap on eTG?
To qualify for the eTG, you must be an existing e-scooter food delivery rider as at 7 November 2019. The eTG scheme will operate till 31 Dec 2019.
Riders must surrender their e-scooters at disposal points located at Grab, Deliveroo and Foodpanda’s premises. Delivery riders who work for more than one company will only be eligible for one eTG disbursement. If you’re interested, approach your food delivery company for more details.
2. Helping riders with alternative career paths via e2i and WSG
If you want to consider an alternative career, you can get career services and job search support from NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and Workforce Singapore (WSG).
From next week, affected drivers will receive customised information on career events.
How can riders learn about alternative careers?
You can go to NTUC e2i centres and WSG’s Careers Connect centres for immediate assistance. You can also contact e2i at 64740606 or WSG at 68835885.
3. Getting financial assistance
Riders can tap on MSF and ComCare schemes for temporary financial assistance.
How can riders learn more?
You can go to your nearest Social Service Office or PA Community Club for assistance.
What’s the next step?
It has been a really stressful week for delivery riders. Our jobs were uncertain and we didn’t know where to turn to.
With the Transition Assistance Package (TAP), perhaps this could help us get back on our feet. In the meantime, stay safe and help spread the word to your buddies.
Try it and share your experience with us in the comments.
