Latest news with #e-hailing
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Automotive
- Free Malaysia Today
E-hailing firms Maxim, InDrive risk losing licences, says Loke
Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said both inDrive and Maxim had started making improvements. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Russian-founded e-hailing firms inDrive and Maxim risk having their licences revoked if they fail to ensure their drivers comply with key requirements, including obtaining e-hailing vehicle permits. Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said both companies were found to have allowed their drivers to operate without an EVP, a key condition under their operating licence, Bernama reported. Loke acknowledged that while the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) had recommended revoking the companies' licences in April for allowing their drivers to operate without EVPs, doing so could burden drivers and passengers who relied on the platforms. Both operators had appealed and the ministry granted a three-month monitoring period starting July 24. 'We've outlined the steps they must take, and they've started making improvements,' Loke said after launching the Kota Setar service in Alor Setar today. 'As this is their first offence, we are giving them the opportunity to rectify the issues. 'However, if they continue to violate (e-hailing) conditions, their licences may be suspended or cancelled.' In September 2022, the road transport department had raided inDrive's Malaysian office and discovered that the firm was operating with an expired licence. In 2023, Maxim was also raided by Apad officers for allowing vehicles to operate without a valid permit.
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
First offence: Loke says Maxim, InDrive given chance to fix compliance issues
ALOR SETAR, July 28 — The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has issued a stern warning to e-hailing operators, Aist Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Maxim) and ID Applications Sdn Bhd (InDrive), to comply with all service requirements to operate in the country, including the mandatory E-Hailing Vehicle Permit (EVP), or risk having their licences suspended or revoked. Minister Anthony Loke said both companies are currently under a three-month monitoring period, during which they are expected to demonstrate full compliance. 'Any operator facing enforcement action has the right to appeal to the MOT, and both companies have done so. 'We've outlined the corrective actions they must take, and we've observed that they've begun making improvements. As this is their first offence, we are giving them the opportunity to rectify the issues. 'However, if they continue to violate the conditions, their licences may be suspended or cancelled,' he told reporters after launching the Kota Setar service in Kota Setar today. Loke acknowledged that the offences committed by the two companies, primarily operating without EVP compliance, were serious. However, he said the ministry also took into account the potential impact on drivers and passengers who rely on both platforms. 'If we were to shut them down immediately without giving a chance for improvement, we'd be facing backlash from affected users. As with any decision, there will always be differing opinions,' he added. On April 24, the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) issued a Notice of Licence Revocation to both Maxim and InDrive, with effect from July 24, after an audit revealed major compliance failures, particularly related to EVP requirements. Following this, both companies submitted appeals to the MOT, which accepted and granted them a three-month probationary period starting July 24 to fully adhere to service conditions, failing which would result in regulatory action, with no further leniency. — Bernama
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Maxim, InDrive to face three-month APAD watch after e-hailing audit flags non-compliance
KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 — Two e-hailing operators, Aist Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Maxim) and ID Applications Sdn Bhd (InDrive), will undergo a three-month monitoring period starting today (July 24), despite being allowed to continue operations, to ensure compliance with service conditions. In a statement yesterday, the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) said representatives of the companies are required to attend monthly sessions at APAD headquarters throughout the monitoring period to ensure the sustained commitment of both operators. 'The frequency of monthly attendance is subject to APAD's discretion based on monitoring needs and current issues. These sessions are intended to facilitate real-time monitoring, including random checks on drivers via the InDrive and Maxim applications,' the statement said. According to APAD, stern action under Section 12A (5) of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 may be taken if the e-hailing operators are found to have breached any stipulated service conditions. On April 24, APAD issued a Notice of Business Mediation Licence (LPP) Cancellation to Maxim and InDrive, effective July 24, 2025, following an audit that found non-compliance, particularly regarding the requirement for a valid E-Hailing Vehicle Permit (EVP). Following this, both companies appealed to the Ministry of Transport and were required to undertake corrective measures before July 24 to continue their services. 'To meet this condition, Maxim and InDrive have enhanced their registration systems to ensure all drivers possess valid EVPs before taking up assignments. 'As an additional step, both companies have also granted 'view only' data access to APAD to facilitate cross-verification between company records and EVP data managed by APAD,' the statement added. APAD said it had conducted random inspections on July 11 on InDrive and Maxim drivers and found that all drivers checked held valid EVPs based on cross-verification with APAD's records. The statement added that based on the review and current assessment by APAD and the Road Transport Department (JPJ), the remedial measures and commitment shown by both operators were satisfactory. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Free Malaysia Today
E-hailing firms Maxim, inDrive granted 3-month probation
In May, Apad revoked inDrive Malaysia's operating licence after it reportedly failed to comply with regulations introduced by the agency in 2019. (inDrive pic) PETALING JAYA : Russian-founded e-hailing firms inDrive and Maxim have been placed under a three-month probation period after successfully appealing the revocation of their operating licences. The Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) said the two companies were ordered to take corrective measures to continue operating, particularly regarding e-hailing vehicle permits (EVPs). 'To meet this condition, Maxim and inDrive have improved their registration system to ensure all of their drivers have valid EVPs before they can start operating. 'Both companies have also given Apad 'view only' access to their data to make it easier to cross-check their data on EVPs,' it said in a statement. Apad said it conducted a random check on their drivers on July 11 and found that everything was in compliance. The agency and the road transport department had found the improvements made by the companies satisfactory, and agreed to place Maxim and inDrive under a three-month monitoring period, effective tomorrow. 'To ensure the continuous commitment of both operators, their representatives are required to turn up at the Apad headquarters every month throughout the monitoring period. 'These sessions are aimed at allowing Apad to conduct real-time monitoring, with random checks conducted on drivers via the inDrive and Maxim applications,' it said. In May, both firms were ordered to halt operations from July 24 after failing to comply with Apad's regulations introduced in 2019. In September 2022, the road transport department raided inDrive's Malaysian office and discovered that the firm was operating with an expired licence. In 2023, Maxim was also raided by Apad officers for allowing vehicles to operate without a valid permit.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Zawya
Hala reports strong H1 growth driven by operational efficiency and customer focus
Ras Al Khaimah trips grow 11.3% as Hala users rise 15% Hala adds 250 vehicles in H1; 600 more planned 90% of Hala fleet now hybrid; EV trips cut 272.61 metric tons CO₂e Dubai, UAE – Hala, the region's leading e-hailing taxi service and a joint venture between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Careem, has reported strong performance in the first half of 2025, driven by solid growth in taxi trips, enhanced service quality, and continued progress on sustainability and operational efficiency. Growth and Performance According to Hala's operational data, trips during peak months in Dubai increased by 12%, alongside a 10% rise in active users, indicating steady and healthy demand for reliable, on-demand transportation. In Ras Al Khaimah, a similar pattern emerged, with trip volumes up 11.3% and user numbers increasing by 15%. This growth mirrors wider mobility trends across the UAE, where tourism has remained strong, domestic travel continues to rise, and residents are increasingly turning to e-hailing to complement existing transport options. As city infrastructure evolves to accommodate this momentum, Hala's ability to scale supply without compromising performance or reliability reinforces its role as a core part of the region's urban transport network. Importantly, this growth has not come at the cost-of-service quality. Customer satisfaction remained consistently high at 4.9 out of 5, backed by 98% of all rated trips being marked 'Good' or better - a direct reflection of the professionalism, courtesy, and local knowledge of Hala's captains. Even during periods of high demand, Hala maintained an average estimated time of arrival of under 3 minutes in peak areas and delivered a 93% trip fulfilment rate. Expansion & Sustainability Efforts Hala also expanded its fleet by 250 vehicles during H1, with a further 600 set to be deployed in the coming months. As part of its push toward greener mobility, the company also introduced four new electric vehicles, bringing the overall fleet composition to 90% hybrid. Trips completed by Hala EVs led to an estimated emissions reduction of 272.61 metric tons of CO₂e. By increasing the availability of low-emission vehicles, Hala is making sustainable transport choices more accessible to riders while contributing to broader environmental goals. Operational Consistency Additionally, operational performance showed clear improvements according to the data. Customer contact rates dropped by 13%, low-rated trips (1–3 stars) declined by 25%, and cancellations fell by 17%. These gains were driven by initiatives such as increased taxi supply, closer coordination with franchise partners, and customer experience enhancements, including hygiene standards and curated in-car fragrances, developed through a partnership with fragrance brand Rituals. To help maintain this level of consistency, Hala is continuously investing in Captain training. Over 2,600 new Captains were onboarded in H1 and trained across operational and service modules, while more than 6,000 existing Captains completed refresher training. The sessions focused on the overall customer experience and ride quality, which contributed directly to improved trip ratings and reduced cancellations. Commenting on the strong H1 results, Khaled Nuseibeh, CEO of Hala, said: 'We're proud of the momentum achieved in H1, but more importantly, we remain focused on continuous improvement. These results reflect our commitment to raising the bar for mobility in every city we serve. Whether it's through Captain Care, listening to our riders, or investing in greener mobility, we are scaling in a way that is sustainable, responsive, and responsible.' Captain Well-being A cornerstone of Hala's growth is its emphasis on the well-being of its Captains, who benefit from ongoing development opportunities such as regular training on safety, tech, and service standards, alongside support mechanisms for physical and mental well-being. Top-performing Captains are regularly recognised and rewarded, while flexible scheduling options and financial support programmes are in place to help them balance their personal and professional lives. As demand for tech-enabled, reliable transport continues to grow, Hala remains focused on delivering measurable impact across convenience, service quality, and environmental responsibility. Integrated within the Careem app, Hala continues to play a key role in strengthening urban mobility in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. About Hala Hala is Dubai's most convenient e-hailing taxi solution, easily booked through the Careem app. A joint venture between Careem and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Hala leverages Careem's ride-hailing technology and the local knowledge of the RTA to provide the most reliable and convenient rides across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. With a motivation to continuously elevate customer experience in public transportation, Hala has unlocked this incredible region by keeping Dubai connected and moving. Media Contact: Tessy Mathew at Q Communications Tessy.m@
