Singapore Mobility and Education Shifts: ComfortDelGro Implements Fuel-Related Fare Hikes as MOE Announces Teacher Salary Increases

ComfortDelGro announces temporary taxi fare hikes due to fuel costs, while MOE confirms salary increases for 35,000 educators starting October 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 8:37 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from AsiaOne

ComfortDelGro Responds to Middle East Volatility

Citing a sharp rise in global fuel prices driven by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, ComfortDelGro has announced a series of temporary measures to protect driver earnings. Starting March 24, 2026, the distance-time rate for all metered trips will increase by one cent. This adjustment applies to every 400 meters for trips under 10km and every 350 meters for trips exceeding that distance. Michael Huang, head of Singapore point-to-point mobility, stated that these fees are designed to flow directly to the drivers to ensure operational stability during this period of high market volatility.

New Driver Fees for App-Based Bookings

In addition to the metered rate adjustment, a new "driver fee" will be applied to all app-based bookings. For fares below $15, a 50-cent fee will be added, while trips exceeding $15 will incur an 80-cent charge. These measures, scheduled to run until May 31, 2026, are part of a broader support package that includes the company absorbing a portion of fuel costs at its own pumps and a separate fuel credit incentive program launched earlier this month. The National Taxi Association has welcomed the move, noting that it provides much-needed relief to drivers struggling with the increased cost of living.

MOE Announces Major Pay Raise for 35,000 Educators

While the transport sector grapples with rising costs, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is moving to bolster the education workforce. On March 16, 2026, Education Minister Desmond Lee announced that approximately 33,000 education officers, 1,700 allied educators, and 1,100 MOE kindergarten teachers will see their monthly salaries rise by 2% to 9%. This adjustment, the first major review since 2022, is part of a strategic effort to ensure teaching remains a competitive profession and to retain high-quality talent in the civil service.