SINGAPORE (Apr 6): Singapore's competition watchdog said Uber will delay the ride-hailing app's shutdown in the city-state by a week to April 15.
Uber was initially set to end its services by April 8 in Singapore after a deal to sell its Southeast Asian operations to rival Grab.
See: Grab confirms acquisition of Uber's Southeast Asia operations; Uber CEO Khosrowshahi to join Grab's board
Last week, Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) commenced investigation into the transaction and proposed interim measures that will require Uber and Grab to maintain their pre-transaction independent pricing.
See: Singapore watchdog says Uber-Grab deal may have infringed competition
See: Uber’s sale of Southeast Asia operations to Grab leaves drivers, riders at a loss
The regulator said on Friday that it received a set of alternative interim measures from Grab and Uber.
"CCCS is reviewing the parties' submissions in relation to the interim measures directions, including the proposed alternative interim measures," it said.
The firms have agreed to push back the shutdown of Uber's app to allow CCCS's deliberation on their representations and proposed measures, the regulator added.
[Update by The Edge Singapore as at 5.23pm]
Grab has subsequently issued a statement saying it hopes the CCCS will complete its review on the deal in an "expeditious manner" such that it can continue competing with incumbent transport companies and with new entrants to the market.
It also opines that the extension of Uber's app shutdown will give Uber drivers more time to sign up on alternative platforms.
In the meantime, Grab's operations will continue as per normal.
"Grab continues to engage closely with the CCCS. We’ve had productive discussions on our alternative proposals, which more appropriately address the CCCS’ objectives during this interim period, and which takes into account our role in Singapore’s vibrant point-to-point transport industry and how Grab serves commuters and drivers," says the ride-hailing operator.
"Grab has helped thousands of former Uber drivers sign up to the Grab platform and will continue to provide support to those who are interested, as well as to obtain their PDVL (private hire car driver's vocational license," it adds.
