Michelle Lee, a Singapore-based driver, has officially concluded her career as a private hire vehicle (PHV) operator after completing over 1,400 rides. Lee, who used her personal Tesla for the service, announced the decision on social media this week, sharing a photograph of the PHV decals she removed from her vehicle.
Reflecting on her experience, Lee described the period as having a “front-row seat to humanity.” She noted that the role exposed her to frequent social assumptions, with many passengers questioning her financial status or motives for working as a driver while owning a Tesla. Beyond the social stigma, Lee highlighted the significant physical and mental toll of the job, noting that even limited shifts of three to four hours left her exhausted and suffering from back pain. She emphasized that these challenges gave her a newfound respect for full-time drivers who work significantly longer hours.
The primary catalyst for her departure, however, was safety. Lee reported witnessing multiple road accidents and narrowly avoiding collisions herself, which led to her decision to step away from the role. She is now transitioning into a career in money coaching to help others manage their finances.
Throughout her time as a driver, Lee frequently encountered difficult passenger behavior, including requests to ignore traffic regulations and disregard for personal time. Despite these challenges, she shared that the stories passengers told her—ranging from financial struggles to personal dreams—left a lasting impact. She concluded her announcement with a public appeal for greater respect toward drivers, urging passengers to prioritize safety, such as wearing seatbelts, and to refrain from judging workers based on their occupation.