ComfortDelGro in 'exclusive' talks with Uber to form alliance

Taxi operator ComfortDelGro on Tuesday said it is in "exclusive" talks with U.S.-based Uber Technologies to manage its fleet of vehicles and booking software solutions in Singapore.

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Uber drivers' cars are parked outside the Ministry of Transportation building during a protest in Taipei, Taiwan. Reuters

Taxi operator ComfortDelGro on Tuesday said it is in "exclusive" talks with U.S.-based Uber Technologies to manage its fleet of vehicles and booking software solutions in Singapore.

ComfortDelGro said the potential strategic alliance with the Uber includes the company's taxis also being made available on Uber's app, among other things.

The ride-hailing business is booming in Singapore, with private-hire services such as Uber and Grab making up half the market for point-to-point transport options.

While controversies have struck Uber elsewhere – including allegations of sexual harassment and the revelation that it secretly used software to evade law enforcement – they have had a minimal impact on its business in Singapore.

The alliance aims to strengthen the company's position as a major mobility service provider in Singapore, ComfortDelGro said in a statement.

There is no certainty, however, that such discussions between the company and Uber will result in any definitive agreement, the statement said.

ComfortDelGro is trying to lure internet savvy customers by offering cashless mobile payments.

In July, the company announced the launch of mobile payment option Alipay on its fleet of 15,000 taxis in Singapore.

Shares in ComfortDelGro closed down 0.91 percent to S$2.17 on the Singapore Exchange. Stocks has lost 12 percent so far this year.

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