New LTA Safe‑Distancing Rules for the Heightened Alert Phase
From July 22 to August 18, 2021 the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is tightening its social‑distancing knots to keep your commute as safe as a super‑cushious sandwich.
Why the Upgrade?
They want to keep the good vibes flowing while trimming down the sneaky COVID‑19 party crashers.
What’s Changed?
The new gear mirrors the first Phase 2 rollout, but with a few extra snazzy tweaks to make sure your ride stays friend‑and‑distance‑approved.
Must‑Know Guidelines
- Distance is King: Keep a comfy 2 meters away from strangers. If you’re in a squad, it’s 1 meter per person.
- Mind the Queue: No back‑to‑back seat swaps. The rule? 1 meter gap between occupants.
- Feet on the Ground: When boarding, use a designated spot and hop on only when the driver says it’s cool.
- Band Décor: No arbitrary celebrations. If you’re playing on the bus, make sure you’re 2 m apart.
- Bike‑Stand Courtesy: Keep your bikes a bunched distance from the other riders’ punks. A 2‑meter space is your new neighbourly “Do Not Disturb” flag.
No more wolves? Keep your head up and your personal bubble intact – LTA is ready to roll out the safe‑distance iron.
Passenger Limits for Taxis and PHCs
Mix, Mingle, and Mask Up!
Let’s break down the new taxi & private‑hire car (PHC) rules—so you know who can ride together and what to keep on your face.
What’s the Deal
• Two‑person limit from different households – Each ride is capped at two people who come from separate homes.
• More than two? Only if the crew shares a roof – A parent can bring along both kiddos, or a family can pack a whole gang, as long as everyone lives under the same roof.
Mask‑Your‑Minds, Tread With Care
• Mask‑mandatory rule – Every passenger must wear a mask at all times.
• Driver’s rights – The driver can refuse to let anyone in who is not masking. No, Britain, we’re not giving out extra gear.
Why the Fuss?
- Keeping the ride safe for everyone—yes, even your neighbor’s cat.
- Helping to keep COVID‑and‑mask‑out the vehicles (and the fumes).
Bottom Line for Trotters
Pack your family car‑pool, but remember: masks, masks, and yes, again, masks! If you’re all from the same house, you’re good to go; otherwise, keep it two.
Carpooling Services Suspended
Quick Take: All Commercial Carpooling Pause Until Aug 18, 2021
That’s right—services like GrabHitch and RydePool will be on a temporary strike. Drivers who used to get paid just for ferrying passengers during their own commute are now off the table.
Social Carpooling: Keep It You & Your Buddy
Feeling the urge to share a ride? Good news: you can still carpool. Just keep it strictly friends or colleagues only and never more than two people. If a trio of coworkers decides to travel together, split into pairs—no room for “carpooling madness” here.
Spotting Illegal Carpooling? Report It!
If you run into someone offering a “mistake” carpool outside the rules, don’t just shrug— hit up the LTA using the OneMotoring portal and submit the “Report Vehicle‑Related Offences” e‑service. It’s your civic duty and also keeps the roads safer.
Safety First—Because You’re All About Health
- Keep your personal hygiene tight. Wash hands, wear masks, and stay clean.
- Check in with your body—if you feel off or unwell, see a doctor.
- Follow all current safe‑management protocols; we’re all in this together.
PS: If you’re planning a trip post‑Aug 18, just remember: commercial carpooling is a no‑go zone until the ban lifts. Stick to the guidelines, stay safe, and keep the commute fun—only with the right people and the right rules.