NTUC steps up support for private-hire drivers hit by Autobahn insolvency

The Labour Movement has stepped up to provide more support to Singapore private-hire drivers whose vehicles were repossessed in the wake of the recent insolvency of vehicle rental company Autobahn Rent A Car.

NTUC MPs raised suggestions in Parliament to protect these platform workers’ livelihoods, while the NTUC-affiliated National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) has reached out to affected NTUC driver-members to offer personalised assistance.

Bringing private-hire drivers’ concerns into Parliament

Ensuring fairer rental agreements

At the 14 January 2026 parliamentary sitting, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Yeo Wan Ling asked if the Transport Ministry or Land Transport Authority (LTA) would partner with NTUC, NPHVA and the NTUC-affiliated National Taxi Association (NTA) to help drivers better understand rental agreements and avoid unfair contractual terms. Ms Yeo is an MP for Punggol GRC.

Responding, Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling said that LTA will work with the associations to better educate drivers on rental contract terms, rights and obligations. She added that the transport authority will form a workgroup to review the vocational licence curriculum, which will include the relevant protections under the Platform Workers Act.

Regulating major car rental companies

Drivers already reeling from the loss of their vehicles will also face difficulties in getting back their deposits because they are unsecured creditors, said Ms Sun.

Both Ms Yeo and NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng asked whether large vehicle fleet businesses could be regulated to better safeguard driver livelihoods in the private-hire vehicle sector. Highlighting that rental deposits range from substantial sums of $500-$1,000, Mr Ng, MP for Jalan Kayu SMC, asked whether there could be measures to ring-fence funds so that drivers’ deposits can be protected in the event of insolvency.

In her reply, Ms Sun said that the support NTUC and the tripartite partners have given so far to secure new vehicles for affected drivers and provide legal advice for NTUC members does not require rental companies to be regulated. She added that such regulation could lead to increased compliance burden and vehicle ownership costs, which are likely to be passed on to drivers and passengers.

Financial support for drivers

Joining the parliamentary discussion on the Autobahn situation, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Patrick Tay proposed extending government financial aid, such as the Manpower Ministry’s (MOM) short-term relief fund, to affected drivers.

In response, Ms Sun said she would discuss the recommendation with MOM.

Addressing drivers’ concerns

Since the news of Autobahn vehicle repossessions broke, NPHVA has been proactively engaging affected driver-members to address their concerns. Key among their problems are deposit recovery and the uncertainty around contract status. Contract uncertainty concerns issues such as whether repossession terminates the contractual relationship.

NPHVA Executive Secretary Raven Lee elaborated on the personalised guidance provided to members through various outreach sessions: “We arranged for a lawyer to engage our drivers directly to explain the current situation, how deposits are treated, clarify the status of contracts with Autobahn, and address members’ questions and concerns.

“For affected hirers with deposits still withheld, we shared available avenues [for help] that include the Small Claims Tribunals, letter of demand and civil proceedings. We also discussed practical considerations, such as the likelihood of recovery, costs involved, and time required [to reclaim deposits], as hirers are now considered unsecured creditors.”

While some drivers may be legally entitled to their deposits, Mr Lee said that there is uncertainty surrounding the availability of funds to settle their claims.

A driver’s story

Private-hire driver Jason Goh, 50, was unsure whether he could sign a new rental contract after his Autobahn vehicle wasn ’t towed, or whether he might still be liable for anything that should happen to the car.

After seeking legal advice at an NPHVA outreach session, Jason learned he may no longer be liable, as the contract should be deemed terminated due to Autobahn’s failure to fulfill its duties.

“I found the lawyer’s involvement in the session very helpful and informative. I’m now more aware of the contract, deposit, maintenance, and contractual rights in general,” he said.

NTUC’s initial support for affected drivers

On 7 January 2026, NPHVA and NTA announced that they are partnering with LTA and platform operators ComfortDelGro, Grab and STRIDES Premier to help affected drivers return to work quickly.

Ms Yeo, who also advises both associations, said that the repossessions have caused hardship for drivers, stressing that restoring livelihoods is a priority.

The associations worked closely with platform operators to roll out temporary vehicle leasing measures for members, including:

• ComfortDelGro: $0 driveaway options and flexible rentals across private-hire and taxi fleets. There are also additional incentives to help drivers recover lost income, including ⁠security deposit waivers and⁠ ⁠opportunities for Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licence holders to join the Driver Employee Scheme for a more stable income.
  
  

• Grab: $0 deposit rentals for GrabRentals mileage cars, completion bonuses of up to $1,000, protection of driver reward tiers during vehicle transitions, and fast-tracked vehicle matching.
  
  
• STRIDES Premier: No-deposit rentals, competitive daily rates, and free rent for the first three days.
  
  

The Autobahn case

The coordinated tripartite efforts to help affected drivers get back on the road follow the High Court’s dismissal of Autobahn’s application for creditor protection on 26 December 2025. Autobahn later withdrew its appeal, allowing creditors to pursue debt recovery.

The company reportedly operates a fleet of about 1,700 vehicles and owes more than $300 million to creditors, including major banks and financial institutions. Accounting firm Baker Tilly has since been appointed as a receiver for 58 cars.

Separately, LTA flagged insurance lapses on some Autobahn vehicles and reminded the company of its legal obligations. Drivers have been advised to ensure their vehicles are properly insured before resuming work, as driving without valid insurance is an offence.

Resources for drivers affected by Autobahn vehicle repossessions: