Singapore woman ends stint as PHV driver after 1,400+ rides, removes decals from her Tesla

Singaporean Michelle Lee recently announced she was concluding her tenure as a private hire vehicle (PHV) driver after driving over 1,400 rides, sharing a photo on social media of the PHV decals she removed from her Tesla. In a Facebook post that quickly gained traction, Lee reflected on the myriad experiences that came with her unusual job.

She observed that people often make assumptions about a driver's occupation, leading to questions about the cost of renting the vehicle and her monthly payments, often unaware that her Tesla was paid off. She grew to deeply appreciate full-time drivers, noting the physical and mental toll, ranging from backaches to exhaustion, and the necessity of remaining focused and patient with a wide range of passengers.

Lee recounted stories passengers shared with her about their lives, illustrating the human connections formed during her time on the road. She recounted instances of rudeness, such as passengers ignoring seatbelt usage or demanding unreasonable stops, and emphasized the significance of these stories. What ultimately prompted Lee to retire from PHV driving was the frequency of accidents and near-misses, prompting her to end her stint.

She sees her time as a PHV driver as a chapter of her life she is thankful for but not one planned for. Lee has since pivoted to work in financial coaching, helping individuals improve their financial wellness. She concluded her reflection with a plea for kindness towards drivers, urging respectful behavior, adherence to traffic rules, and refraining from judging drivers based on their occupation.