BlueSG's Pause and the Future of Car Sharing in Singapore

Car sharing may be niche, but it's a useful part of Singapore's transport system.

- Terence Ho

BlueSG's decision to wind down its operations in 2025 and potentially sell off its cars pending a relaunch has raised questions about whether car sharing can truly take root in Singapore. The short answer is yes, but only as a niche service.

The reality is that car sharing will never replace private cars, public transport or ride-hailing services. Yet that doesn't mean it cannot play a useful role in giving consumers more choice and nudging Singapore closer to its vision of a "car-lite" society.

Car sharing remains a viable part of Singapore's transport ecosystem. A decade ago, Singapore had fewer than 1,000 shared cars. Today, that number has risen to around 5,000.

This may be a tiny fraction of the more than 600,000 private and rental cars in Singapore, but it reflects a growing demand for car-sharing services. The largest operator, GetGo, has expanded its fleet from an initial 400 in 2021 to around 3,000 today. Research firm Statista estimates that overall car-sharing market revenue will grow from around US$183 million (S$234 million) in 2025 to around US$236 million by 2030.

THE NICHE BLUESG FILLED

Car sharing appeals to a specific group of commuters: those who want the flexibility of driving themselves without the financial burden of car ownership. It can also be cheaper than taxis or private-hire vehicles since no other driver is involved, and more convenient for multi-stop trips or errands. These advantages have enabled car sharing to carve out a modest niche for itself in the transport ecosystem.