On the straight and narrow

Checks show new taxi penalties are working
Thursday / November 22, 2007

SINGAPORE cabbies seem to be toeing the line since stiffer penalties for errant taxi drivers kicked in on Monday.

No driver was found overcharging, touting or refusing to convey passengers that day during an enforcement blitz by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) - a finding that confirmed Today's own checks at key pickup points in the central business district and Orchard Road on the first day of the revised sanctions.

In contrast, between Nov 6 and last Saturday, 36 taxi drivers were nabbed during crackdowns at several spots - Boat Quay, Chijmes, Clarke Quay, Mustafa Centre, Orchard Towers, HarbourFront, Sentosa and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal ?said an LTA statement yesterday.

Of these, 22 taxi drivers were caught overcharging, two were found touting, and 12 were cited for refusing to convey passengers. If found guilty, the drivers will be penalised under the previous taxi vocational licensing points system (VLPS).

Since the LTA stepped up checks late last month, 116 taxi drivers have been caught for touting, overcharging or refusing to transport passengers. Of these, 68, or 59 per cent, were drivers of Mercedes taxis.

The harsher new penalties for drivers who refuse to pick up passengers include a $300 fine, six demerit points and an immediate two-week suspension. Those guilty of soliciting will be given 12 demerit points, fined $500 and suspended from operating for four weeks, while drivers caught overcharging by more than $20 will have their licences withdrawn.

The LTA encourages the public to call its hotline at 1800-225 5582 (1800-CALL LTA) to give feedback.

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