New Management to Revitalise Singapore’s Trishaws

Trishaw Uncle has been appointed by the Singapore Tourism Board as the new management of Albert Mall Trishaw Park for a tenure of three years with an option to renew for another three years at the board’s discretion.

“Trishaw Uncle” is a term of endearment for the trishaw riders who in the yesteryears comprised mainly labourers who formed the early backbone of Singapore’s labour force. To acknowledge their contribution and to pay tribute to them, “Trishaw Uncle” has been chosen as the name for the company which will helm the management and operations of the Albert Mall Trishaw Park.

On being appointed as the new management of Albert Mall Trishaw Park, Mr Png Yiow Beng, Managing Director of Trishaw Uncle, said, “The trishaw is an important heritage icon in Singapore and has been affectionately used and showcased at important events like Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Chingay, National Day. To celebrate the resilient spirit of trishaw riders and preserve the heritage of this old mode of transport, we are delighted to introduce refreshing new ideas to Albert Mall Trishaw Park so that trishaws and trishaw riders can continue their contribution in offering unique trishaw ride experiences ... Our aim is to provide visitors different, personalised ways of discovering the island and having an integrated experience of Singapore. The trishaws are a perfect mode of transport to explore ethnic zones like Little India and Kampong Glam, with their rich and vibrant history, culture and heritage waiting to be discovered in the intimate streets and inner alleys.”

Mr Andrew Phua, STB’s Director for Precinct Development, added, “Albert Mall Trishaw Park has been operating for more than ten years, meeting the continued demand for trishaw tours in that part of the city. With so much focus on tourism this year, now is a good time to make some infrastructural enhancements and refresh the trishaw experience. At the same time, we want to help retain the existing riders as much as possible, and provide them with the necessary training to meet the needs of today's visitors. STB looks forward to Trishaw Uncle’s creative ideas being successfully realised.”

Under the new management, Albert Mall Trishaw Park will be rejuvenated with new facilities. A Ticketing Kiosk will be constructed and will feature a sheltered waiting area to allow passengers to wait in comfort in all weather conditions. The Ticketing Kiosk will also be equipped with audio visual facilities so that passengers can enjoy an introductory video before they embark on their trishaw journey. A range of trishaw related souvenirs will also be available for purchase.

In addition, a Rider’s Rest Area and Trishaw Garage will be built to provide a place for riders to rest in between trips and for the trishaws to undergo servicing.

A new fleet of 100 battery-assisted trishaws will be introduced for the ease of operation by the riders. The design of the trishaws will be improved, with bigger seating area to provide greater comfort for the passengers. The trishaws will also feature directional indicator lights for safety purposes, and an in-built sound system for passengers to enjoy audio commentary during the trishaw tours.

Trishaw riders will also undergo professional training and development where they will be trained in communications skills, service quality and road safety.

Mr Png Yiow Beng, Managing Director of Trishaw Uncle, shares his personal experience, “I came from a humble background and I can relate to blue-collared workers. I started my career as a boatman at the Singapore River many years ago and today I own a cruise business which operates a fleet of water vessels. With my years of experience in the tourism industry, working from bottom up to where I am today, I hope to be able to contribute my knowledge and insights to grow the trishaw industry and show trishaw riders that there is a future for them and room for growth in this tourism business.”

Trishaw Uncle will also be concentrating its efforts on the local market. Special promotions will be conducted to enable and encourage more Singaporeans to ride on the trishaws. Educational tour programmes for schools will also be developed for students to embark on learning journeys of Singapore’s ethnic zones and historically significant sites on trishaws.

Innovative concepts such as food-themed trishaw tours will be also created to introduce Singapore’s rich culture and heritage to locals and visitors.

The core Bugis and Little India trishaw tour routes will be enhanced for the safety and enjoyment of the passengers. There are also plans in the pipeline to introduce other new routes.

The new Albert Mall Trishaw Park is scheduled to open on 1 September 2010.

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