Ministry of Trade & Industry Proposed merger of Grab and Gojek

The competition watchdog wants to study if the possible merger of Grab and Gojek could restrict competition.

https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/singapore-competition-watchdog-looking-potential-merger-between-grab-and-gojek?

I suggest that they should look at this issue from a different angle.

The public has the choice of the following modes of transport:

a) Public transport - bus and train
b) Taxis
c) Personal transport - buy a car
d) Private hire (Grab and Gojek)

Given the abundance of choice between the different modes, the watchdog should not worry about the proposed merger of the private hire platforms.

The platform need to operate viably. The unhealthy competition between these two platforms is not good for consumers over the long term.

Most countries regulate taxi fares anyway. Surely, the merger of Gran and Gojek is similar to the concept of regulated fares - which is actually better for consumers.

I hope that the competition watchdog look at this issue from a broader perspective and do not hinder the merger talks between these two parties.

Tan Kin Lian

 

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