Riding in a taxi or a ride-hailing vehicle is a daily routine for many people in Singapore. Between 2019 and 2023, the Land Transport Authority reported an average of 200,000 taxi trips per day, plus a growing number of private-hire car trips through apps like Grab, Gojek, and TADA. While the vast majority of these trips are safe, riders should know how to reduce risks. This article covers practical, evidence-based safety tips for riders in Singapore, from pre-trip checks to emergency procedures. It draws on official guidelines from the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the Singapore Police Force, and real-world data from ride-hailing platforms.
Safety starts before you even get into the vehicle. Whether you hail a taxi on the street or book through an app, each method has specific steps you can take to protect yourself. Below are detailed recommendations organised by the stages of a trip.
Pre Trip Checks: What to Do Before You Enter the Vehicle
Before you step into any taxi or private-hire car, take a few seconds to verify the vehicle and the driver. This is the most effective way to avoid unlicensed operators or mistaken identity.
Verify the Vehicle Registration Number
For app-based bookings, the app will display the vehicle’s license plate number, make, model, and colour. Always check that the actual car matches these details. In 2022, the Singapore Police Force issued advisories about “copycat” private-hire cars where unlicensed drivers used fake decals or cloned plates. If the plate number does not match, do not enter the vehicle. Cancel the booking through the app and report the discrepancy to the platform.
Check the Driver’s Photo and Name
Ride-hailing apps such as Grab, Gojek, and TADA show the driver’s photo and name before the trip starts. Compare the person behind the wheel with the photo on your screen. If there is any doubt, ask the driver to confirm your name or the destination. A legitimate driver will not be offended by this. If the driver cannot confirm your booking details, step away and contact the platform’s support team.
Use In App Safety Features
Most ride-hailing apps now include built-in safety tools. Grab has a “Share My Ride” feature that sends your live location to up to five contacts. Gojek offers a “Safety Button” that connects directly to the platform’s emergency response team. TADA includes a similar emergency contact sharing option. Activate these features before the trip begins. For a full list of app-specific safety tools, see our article on ride-hailing app features.
For Street Hails: Choose Official Taxi Stands
If you are flagging a taxi on the street, use a designated taxi stand whenever possible. In Singapore, there are over 1,300 taxi stands managed by LTA, located at major shopping malls, MRT stations, and tourist attractions. Street hails are legal anywhere, but taxi stands have better lighting and CCTV coverage. Avoid hailing a taxi in poorly lit areas or near construction sites. For a comparison of street hails versus app bookings, see our article on street hail taxi vs app.
During the Ride: Staying Aware and Comfortable
Once you are inside the vehicle, your focus should shift to situational awareness and personal comfort. Most incidents in taxis and private-hire cars are non-violent, such as disputes over route or fare, but you should still be prepared.
Share Your Trip Status with Someone You Trust
Even if the app already shares your location, it is wise to send a text message to a friend or family member at the start of the trip. Include the vehicle plate number, the driver’s name (if known), and your estimated time of arrival. This takes 10 seconds and creates a digital record. If something goes wrong, that person can alert the authorities with concrete details.
Sit in the Rear Seat, Preferably Behind the Driver
In Singapore, taxis and private-hire cars have passenger seats in both front and rear. Safety experts recommend sitting in the rear seat, especially if you are travelling alone. The rear seat gives you more personal space and makes it harder for a driver to physically reach you. If you must sit in the front, keep your bag on your lap and avoid leaning forward into the driver’s personal space.
Wear Your Seatbelt at All Times
Under Singapore’s Road Traffic Act, all passengers must wear seatbelts. The penalty for not wearing one is a fine of S$120 and three demerit points. More importantly, seatbelts reduce the risk of death in a crash by 45% according to the World Health Organization. In taxis, rear seatbelts are often tucked into the seat cushion. Pull them out and buckle up before the vehicle moves. If the seatbelt is broken or missing, ask the driver to fix it or end the trip.
Keep Your Phone Charged and Accessible
Your phone is your primary safety tool. Keep it within reach, not in a bag in the boot. Most taxis and private-hire cars in Singapore have USB charging ports, but do not rely on them. Carry a portable power bank, especially for long trips or late-night rides. If you need to call for help, a dead battery can delay that call by critical minutes.
Trust Your Instincts: If Something Feels Wrong, End the Trip
If the driver takes an unexpected route, drives erratically, or makes you feel uncomfortable, you have the right to ask the driver to pull over at a safe location. For app-based trips, you can end the ride early through the app. You will still be charged for the distance travelled, but your safety is more important than a few dollars. In a taxi, you can ask the driver to stop at the next taxi stand or a well-lit public area. If the driver refuses, call 999 (Singapore’s emergency number) immediately.
Digital Safety: Protecting Your Data and Payments
Safety is not only physical. Ride-hailing apps collect personal data, including your location history, payment details, and contact information. Cybercriminals can target this data if you are not careful.
Use In App Payment Methods
Cash is still accepted in many taxis and some ride-hailing services, but digital payment is safer. When you pay via the app (credit card, debit card, or e-wallet like GrabPay or GoPay), your financial details are encrypted and not shared with the driver. This reduces the risk of card skimming or overcharging. For street-hail taxis, you can use the CDG Zig app to pay without cash. See our article on TADA vs Zig review for details on payment options.
Review Your Trip History Regularly
Most ride-hailing apps maintain a trip history that shows the route taken, the fare charged, and the driver’s name. Check this history at least once a week. If you see a trip you did not take, or a fare that seems too high, report it to the platform immediately. In 2023, the Singapore Consumer Association received 47 complaints about incorrect fares on ride-hailing apps, most of which were resolved after the user checked their history.
Do Not Share Personal Information with the Driver
Drivers do not need your phone number, home address, or social media handles. The app provides them with your pickup and drop-off locations, and your first name (or nickname) is enough for identification. If a driver asks for your phone number or suggests communicating outside the app, decline politely. Report such behaviour to the platform. Legitimate drivers will never ask for personal contact details.
Enable Two Factor Authentication on Your Account
Grab, Gojek, and TADA all support two-factor authentication (2FA) via SMS or email. Enable this feature in your account settings. 2FA prevents unauthorised access to your account, even if someone steals your password. In 2022, Grab reported that accounts with 2FA enabled had 99% fewer unauthorised login attempts compared to accounts without it.
Late Night and Airport Rides: Extra Precautions
Late-night rides and airport transfers involve higher risks due to reduced visibility, fewer people around, and longer distances. Singapore’s Changi Airport and Seletar Airport have specific procedures for taxis and ride-hailing pickups.
Book Through the App for Late Night Trips
Between midnight and 5 a.m., street-hail taxis are less frequent. The LTA’s taxi availability data shows that only about 40% of the taxi fleet is on the road during those hours. Booking through an app ensures you have a confirmed ride and a digital record. Apps also allow you to see the driver’s rating and vehicle details before the trip. For tips on late-night airport transfers, see our article on late-night airport transfers.
Use the Designated Pickup Points at Changi Airport
At Changi Airport, taxis queue at the taxi stands outside each terminal (Arrival level, Door 1 to 6). Private-hire cars pick up from the designated “Grab” or “Gojek” pickup points at the Basement 2 car parks of Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and at the Terminal 4 pickup area. Do not accept a ride from a driver who approaches you inside the terminal. All legitimate pickups happen at these official zones. For a detailed guide, see our article on Changi Airport taxi guide.
Share Your Location with a Contact for Airport Trips
Airport trips often involve long drives across the island. Share your live location with a friend or family member, especially if you are arriving late at night. The ride-hailing app’s share feature works even if the recipient does not have the app installed. Send the link via WhatsApp or Telegram. If the driver deviates from the expected route, your contact can see it in real time.
Avoid Sharing a Taxi with Strangers at the Airport
At the taxi stand, you might be asked by another passenger to share a ride to save money. In Singapore, sharing a taxi with strangers is legal if the driver agrees, but it is not recommended for safety reasons. You have no way to verify the other passenger’s identity or intentions. If you want to save money, use a ride-hailing app’s shared ride option, which matches you with other passengers through the platform. See our article on shared ride options for more details.
Handling Emergencies: What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Even with all precautions, emergencies can happen. Knowing the correct procedures can make a critical difference.
Call 999 for Immediate Danger
If you feel threatened, if the driver is aggressive, or if you are involved in an accident, call 999. Singapore’s emergency services respond quickly. In 2023, the average response time for police to a priority call was 11 minutes. Give the operator your location, the vehicle plate number, and a description of the situation. If you cannot speak, press 999 and then the number “1” to be connected to the police without speaking (the “silent solution” procedure).
Use the App’s Emergency Button
Grab’s “Emergency Button” connects you to a third-party security centre that can alert the police and share your live location. Gojek’s equivalent is the “Safety Button” in the app menu. TADA has a similar feature called “SOS”. These buttons are faster than dialling 999 because they automatically transmit your trip details. However, they should not replace a direct call to 999 if you are in immediate danger.
Document the Incident
After an incident (a dispute, an accident, or a feeling of unsafety), take screenshots of the app screen showing the trip details. If possible, take a photo of the vehicle’s license plate and the driver’s face (if safe to do so). Note the date, time, and location. This documentation is essential if you file a police report or a complaint with the LTA. The LTA’s Public Transport Council handles complaints about taxi and private-hire services. You can submit a complaint online at their website.
Contact the Platform’s Support Team
For non-emergency issues, such as a driver taking a longer route, overcharging, or rude behaviour, contact the platform’s customer support. Grab has a 24/7 hotline and in-app chat. Gojek’s support is available through the app and email. TADA offers in-app support with a typical response time of 2 hours. Include your trip ID number and the screenshots you took. Most platforms will investigate and may issue a refund or a credit.
Surcharges and Fares: Know What You Are Paying For
Understanding fares and surcharges helps you avoid disputes and ensures you are not overcharged. In Singapore, taxi fares are regulated by the LTA, while ride-hailing fares are dynamic. Knowing the components of a fare can prevent confusion.
Taxi Meter Fares and Surcharges
Taxi meters calculate fares based on distance and time. The basic flag-down fare for a standard taxi is S$3.90 (as of 2024). There are additional surcharges for peak periods (25% of the metered fare), ERP charges (passed on to passengers), airport pickups (S$5 to S$8 depending on time), and midnight surcharges (50% of the metered fare from midnight to 5:59 a.m.). For a full breakdown, see our articles on flag-down fare breakdown, distance and time charges, ERP surcharges taxis, peak period surcharges, and airport surcharges Changi.
Ride Hailing Fares Are Dynamic
Grab, Gojek, and TADA use surge pricing during high demand. A trip that costs S$15 during off-peak can rise to S$30 or more during a thunderstorm or after a concert. The app shows the estimated fare before you book. Always confirm the fare before accepting. If the final fare is significantly higher than the estimate, you can dispute it. For a comparison of pricing across apps, see our article on Grab vs Gojek pricing and surcharge comparison all apps.
How to Save Money Without Compromising Safety
Saving money on rides is possible without taking safety shortcuts. Use promo codes and referral credits, travel during off-peak hours, and consider shared rides. For a list of current promo codes, see our article on promo codes and referrals. For tips on off-peak travel, see off-peak ride hacks. For daily commute budgeting, see budget tips for daily commute.
Special Considerations for Vulnerable Riders
Children, elderly passengers, and persons with disabilities have additional safety needs. Singapore’s ride-hailing apps and taxi companies offer specific services for these groups.
Children: Use Child Seats
Under Singapore law, children below 1.35 metres in height must use an approved child restraint system (child seat) when travelling in any motor vehicle. Taxis are exempt from this law, but it is still safest to use a child seat. Grab offers a “GrabFamily” option that provides a child seat for an additional S$12 per trip. Gojek has a similar “GoCar Child Seat” option. If you are using a standard taxi, bring your own portable child seat if possible.
Elderly Passengers: Book Through Apps for Accessibility
Many elderly passengers prefer street-hail taxis because they are familiar. However, apps like Grab and Gojek allow you to request a vehicle with extra trunk space for a wheelchair or walking aid. TADA also offers an option to note accessibility needs in the booking. For elderly passengers who do not use smartphones, family members can book the ride and share the trip details with the passenger via SMS.
Passengers with Visual Impairments
For passengers who are blind or have low vision, street-hail taxis can be difficult. The LTA operates a “Taxi for the Disabled” scheme with a fleet of wheelchair-accessible taxis. These can be booked through the ComfortDelGro booking hotline (6552 1111) or the CDG Zig app. Ride-hailing apps are also compatible with screen readers like VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android). The driver will receive a notification that the passenger has a visual impairment, and the app will guide the driver to the exact pickup point.
Related Articles
- The Complete Guide to Taxis and Ride Hailing in Singapore
- Ride Hailing App Features: Safety and Convenience Tools
- Street Hail Taxi vs App: Which is Safer?
- Changi Airport Taxi Guide: Pickup Points and Safety Tips
- Late Night Airport Transfers: Safety and Booking Advice
- Shared Ride Options: How They Work and Safety Considerations