WOWNOW told to halt low‑fare e‑rides

Cambodia’s transport authorities have stepped in to resolve a dispute between traditional drivers and ride‑hailing firm WOWNOW, after complaints that its low‑fare electric taxis and tuk‑tuks were undercutting the market.

On 27 May, representatives of tuk‑tuk drivers petitioned the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, warning that WOWNOW’s pricing model posed a serious threat to livelihoods in the informal transport sector. They argued that by owning its own fleet of electric vehicles, the company could slash fares to match or even undercut standard tuk‑tuk prices, creating unfair competition.

Concerns centred on “competition and excessive discounts”, with drivers insisting that WOWNOW’s approach differed from other ride‑hailing platforms, which typically connect passengers with independent operators rather than running their own vehicles.

The following day, Chhuon Von, Director‑General of the General Department of Land Transportation, announced in a video posted on the Public Works and Transport Ministry’s Facebook page that WOWNOW had been instructed to halt the use of company‑owned vehicles. “The ministry does not allow the ride‑hailing company’s own vehicle to operate for business according to regulation,” he said.

WOWNOW has since agreed to comply, suspending the contested service and pledging to adjust its platform management system to improve efficiency and enhance user experience.

The swift resolution highlights the delicate balance between innovation and regulation in Cambodia’s fast‑changing transport sector. While electric vehicles promise cleaner, more modern mobility options, officials remain wary of business models that could destabilise the livelihoods of thousands of informal drivers who still form the backbone of urban transport.

By intervening, the ministry sought to reassure traditional operators that their concerns were being heard, while signalling to ride‑hailing firms that compliance with national rules is non‑negotiable.

-2026-05-31