Ofo’s Singapore Bike‑Sharing Blunder: LTA Looms Over License Threat
Quick Recap
What’s happening? The Chinese bike‑sharing giant ofo has been flagged by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) for a bundle of compliance fails. They’ve got 14 days to plug the gaps or risk having their licence revoked.
Key Compliance Short‑falls
- Fleet Size Overrun: Ofo still owns more than 10,000 bikes. The rule is clear – stop at ten thousand or cut the fleet.
- QR‑Code Parking System: The mandatory, bike‑safe QR parking feature is still absent as of this Monday, despite LTA’s repeated warnings.
- Reporting & Transparency: No sign of a licence surrender request. LTA says they are still talking to the company about the infractions.
Why the LTA is Taking This Serious
“These are not just minor glitches,” the Authority said. “They’re substantial lapses that undermine safety and order.”
Possible Penalties – The Bad News
If the company can’t sort this out by 13 February, their operating licence could be suspended. In January, the prima facie fines could hit up to $100,000 under the Parking Place Act, plus a hefty curtailment of their business overseas.
What’s the Background?
- Since May 2018, the LTA has been handing out licences for new bike‑sharing services, making it crystal clear that the rules must be followed after approval.
- Back in October 2018, the first batch of licences was issued, and the LTA began checking compliance.
- Last November, the Authority warned that ofo’s fleet size violation could lead to fines.
- In December, an incident unfolded where frustrated users reported that refunds were never processed.
The Picture on the Ground
When The Straits Times swung by ofo’s registered office in December, staff from other companies claimed they never saw anyone from ofo for weeks. It’s a sign that something’s very off.
Next Steps For Ofo
Ofo has to act fast, or the LTA will step in and maybe pull the plug entirely. For now, it’s a waiting game while the authority stays in touch.
Takeaway
Ofo’s missteps are a corporate cautionary tale: obey the rules or watch the consequences unfold. The next 14 days will determine whether the company can keep riding the bike‑share wave in Singapore.
