Cabbies worried about LTA's stricter measures

http://www.straitstimes.com/print/Free/Story/STIStory_176529.html
Nov 14, 2007
They say they must be extra careful not to run afoul of the law unwittingly
By Lin Xinyi & Jessica Lim

CABBIES say that stiffer penalties the Land Transport Authority will start handing out from next Monday to those who tout, overcharge or refuse to pick up passengers, will just make their lives tougher.

They told The Straits Times they were feeling the squeeze from higher fuel prices and rentals.
Most say they do not engage in touting or overcharging - but the strict new rules mean they have to be extra careful about seeming choosy about who they pick up.

Mr Foo Say Hock, who has been a taxi driver for eight years, explained: 'More penalties mean we have to be observant all the time; and we're sometimes very tired and we may not notice the passenger waiting on the side of the road - and what if he calls my company and complains?'

In an effort to address public outcry over errant cabbies, the Land Transport Authority on Monday said that those who refuse to pick up passengers will now face harsher penalties: a $300 fine, six demerit points and an immediate two-week suspension.

If they solicit - or tout - for passengers, they will now have to pay $500, get 12 demerit points and face an immediate four-week suspension.

And, if taxi drivers are found overcharging by more than $20, their licences can be revoked altogether.

For Mr Sam Lim, 43, any suspension would be disastrous.

The recently widowed man is already driving extra long hours - up to 15 hours a day - to save money for his ill four-year-old son's treatment. The boy has undergone surgery for various medical problems.

Like Mr Lim, several other drivers said they are putting in extra time because of increased motoring costs.

They said fuel is now $5 more each day, compared to a year ago. On average, they earn around $100 daily.

To make up for the added cost, they have to pick up one to two more customers each day.
Mr Andrew Leo, 49, who drives a Mercedes-Benz taxi, said drivers sometimes take risks with the law in order to please demanding customers.

This includes speeding and stopping in no-stopping zones.

'They tell me that even a bus travels faster than my taxi,' he said. 'But if I go too fast, I'll get fined.'

Comfort cab driver Ng Chee Fook, 59, was fined $20 about two months ago when he stopped within 9m of a bus stop. He says he won't do it again.

But for SMRT cabby Pion Eng Hua, 43, it is not so clearcut: 'If I see an auntie carrying shopping bags, how can I not pick her up? But if I do, I might be slapped with a fine. It's so difficult.'

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY DIANA OTHMAN

linxinyi@sph.com.sg
limjess@sph.com.sg