SINGAPORE - More than 20 motorists were hauled up for providing illegal ride-hailing services at Changi Airport and Gardens by the Bay on July 11.

In a Facebook post on July 12 , the Land Transport Authority said the 22 motorists were offering rides within Singapore, as well as to and from Malaysia.

LTA added that it was acting on tip-offs from the National Private Hire Vehicles Association and members of the public.

The motorists also did not have a valid Public Service Vehicle Licence, which is required for anyone offering point-to-point transportation services, including cross-border services.

The vehicles used for the rides were impounded, LTA said.

LTA did not provide details on whether the impounded vehicles were registered in Singapore or in a foreign country.

The authorities urged commuters to avoid illegal transport services, which are usually not properly insured, and pose safety risks to passengers.

Illegal ride-hailing services also affect the livelihoods of licensed drivers, LTA added.

Offenders can be fined up to $3,000 , imprisoned for six months , or both. Their vehicles can also be forfeited.

In a Facebook post on July 12 , Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling said: “LTA will increase the coverage and frequency of our enforcement actions against such illegal private hire car services.”

She added that the authorities will not hesitate to press for heavier fines, and impound or forfeit the vehicles of motorists who flout the rules.

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