Transport and Covid-19: responses and resources

Regulating App-based Mobility: Case Studies from Bangkok, Manila and Phnom Penh

Regulating App-based Mobility


The rise of app-based mobility services in Southeast Asia has changed urban mobility and goods delivery, yet many cities still lack fit-for-purpose regulation. This report reviews the regulatory frameworks and governance structures for app-based mobility services in three Southeast Asian cities: Bangkok, Manila and Phnom Penh.

The study evaluates the benefits and challenges of these services from a public policy perspective and provides city-specific recommendations as well as insights applicable to other urban centres in the region. The work is carried out in collaboration with local knowledge partners. In-depth interviews with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors in each city inform findings, building on conclusions from the ITF ‘Regulating App-based Mobility Services in ASEAN’ report.

This project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea and delivered in collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

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Policy Insights

  • Create a permissive regulatory environment to enable market forces and innovation to flourish.
  • Treat incumbent mobility providers and new market entrants equally, including across modes.
  • Establish data reporting, sharing, and analysis frameworks to support regulatory compliance.
  • Set a minimum standard of employment protections for app-based mobility workers.
  • Take the broader urban environment into account and target regulation at addressing clear market failures.
  • Streamline governance and foster efficient cross-departmental links.
  • Work towards closer regulatory alignment across ASEAN member states.

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