Help is now available for Private-Hire Car (PHC) drivers affected by the coronavirus slowdown but who did not qualify for the aid package announced last month.
They can apply for a new fund set up by the Government and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan shared on Facebook on 18 March 2020.
"You may consider applying for DCF if you are a registered PHC driver before 13 February 2020 - with valid vocational licence - and have not received Special Relief Fund," the post noted.
It indicated that applicants are those with 'complex chronic illnesses that require regular medical care', who are on 'prolonged medical leave due to illness or injury', are primary caregivers of vulnerable dependants, or are recipients of/or have an immediate family member who is a recipient of other financial aid. They might also be Community Health Assist Scheme blue or orange cardholders, and are starting to face 'financial difficulties on essential living'.
The initiative follows feedback from various drivers who said they did not qualify for the first $77 million assistance, which targeted cabbies and full-time PHC drivers who had clocked a certain amount of hours. Facebook user Francis Boey, however, said $300 may not be enough for those facing hardships. "Might as well stop driving and return car instead of accumulating rental debts," he added.
