SINGAPORE: The National Taxi Association (NTA) said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is receptive to its proposal calling for less stringent standards to be placed on cabbies.
LTA said it will share more details when they are ready.
The advisor of NTA, Ang Hin Kee, said one measure that is seeing "early success" is a new mediation system for cabbies. It aims to resolve disputes between drivers, operators and parties like insurance firms.
This measure will allow taxi drivers to seek help from one neutral party when they face issues such as accidents, damage to their vehicles or even rentals.
The NTA also organised a National Day Observance ceremony to recognise the efforts of cabbies, as part of the National Trades Union Congress’ month-long celebrations to commemorate the nation's 48th birthday.
In its National Day celebrations, the NTA will be giving out 20,000 mini Singapore flags to taxi drivers to fly on their cabs. Another 30,000 mini Singapore flags will also be given out to union members.
Last month, the NTA had proposed 10 recommendations to the LTA to improve the industry.
One of them is allowing new taxi licence holders to start off as relief drivers, so they can familiarise themselves with the job.
The association said that LTA is receptive to this proposal.
However, some cabbies said there are issues that need to be considered. For some, it is a challenge to hit the availability standards that require 70 per cent of each operator's fleet to clock 250 kilometres a day.
Susan Lim, an SMRT cabbie, said: “250km for a normal cab with a relief driver is no problem. But I drive an MPV and I can't meet that requirement because most of the time I'm doing my corporate bookings and very often I'm not so much on the road but I still do pick up (passengers).”
As for VISA not continuing its credit card mode of payment for two taxi operators, NTA said it is regrettable as it has inconvenienced commuters.
ComfortDelGro told its cabbies that the fee is needed to invest in and maintain payment terminals and systems, as well as to pay bank fees and telco charges. It is also meant as compensation for drivers before they receive bank payments on the next working day.
NTA advisor Mr Ang said: “I understand that (in other countries), VISA does not object to some of the surcharges that's levied on commuters. There have been some feedback from commuters that they find it strange the VISA company doesn't allow them to pay. They don't mind because the 10 per cent surcharge on a S$10 journey is S$1.”
Mr Ang added: "If the client or cardholder makes a clear indication that this is what they want or prefer, then the businesses have to decide. I can't decide for them and I won't make judgement as to whether it's right or wrong.
“I'm looking purely on the perspective of the card holders, the taxi commuters and taxi drivers. Greater convenience is good for everybody -- convenience comes at a price, and what price it is and who pays for the price will be a business decision that others have to make."
Mr Ang also said that the industry is looking at other payment models such as mobile payment.
- CNA/fa/gn
Dun understand the part on new taxi license holders starting off as relief drivers. Isn't this already allowed now or are they suggesting that in future, new license holders are not allowed to be hirers? Must be relief first?
Originally posted by Taxilim88:Dun understand the part on new taxi license holders starting off as relief drivers. Isn't this already allowed now or are they suggesting that in future, new license holders are not allowed to be hirers? Must be relief first?
So that a lot of complains going to LTA and new license holders get remove faster to allow another batch of new ones joining in. As too many people want to be come taxi drivers.
bring back private taxi lah...
Originally posted by Taxilim88:Dun understand the part on new taxi license holders starting off as relief drivers. Isn't this already allowed now or are they suggesting that in future, new license holders are not allowed to be hirers? Must be relief first?
Lucky I not NTA mbr....sia suay..
Originally posted by fifufu:bring back private taxi lah...
You mean pirate taxi? Lol
"Last month, the NTA had proposed 10 recommendations to the LTA to improve the industry."
Anybody know what's that 10 recommendations?...
More like the 10 commandements.
1. thou shalt not urine in public, if caught, can seek NTA** for mediation
2. thou shalt not wear slipper,....as above.....
3. thou shalt not watch video on duty..if caught......
and so on
Then at the end, in small little words
**in order to seek NTA free help and consultation, cabby must join as member with a month fees of $9.
NTA currently holds 15000 members, per month take in $9 from each member, that is $135000. I think can at least paid that Ang off, but for their salary to go up by 10%, they need more member, the more, the merrier and more income.
So, if you are smart enough, you will know that all these associations and govt stuff well, I will alway take them in 3 realms
First, the people (Ren), is them, act and behave good
Second, the ghost (Gui), is also them, take your money slowing
Third, the God (Shen), is also them, act helpful and pitiful to you.
