Skip to main content

No Offence Found in Changi Taxi Driver Gathering

 



The police have determined that the gathering of premium taxi drivers at Changi Airport on February 13 did not constitute an offence, according to Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat revealed that a ground manager from private transport operator Woodlands Transport Service, whose actions contributed to the cabbies' dissatisfaction, has been removed from his role.

The gathering was described as a "pre-planned dialogue" meant to address concerns regarding a new minibus service at the airport. Mr Shanmugam stated that police inquiries found no evidence of a strike or protest, and there were no law-and-order issues arising from the event. As a result, the police will not be conducting further investigations.

Transport Minister Mr Chee provided additional context on the situation. Since 2008, Changi Airport Group (CAG) has been engaging Woodlands Transport to manage its ground transport concierge service, which allows passengers to book six- to seven-seater taxis and limousine cabs. This partnership is a commercial arrangement, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) are not involved in its operations.

However, some taxi drivers believed that Woodlands Transport was giving preferential treatment to its own minibus service, leading to concerns over unfair competition. Mr Chee clarified that CAG did not approve this arrangement.

Reports indicate that taxi drivers, particularly from ComfortDelGro and Prime Taxi, experienced longer waiting times for passengers after the rollout of the minibus trial, resulting in income losses. This growing dissatisfaction culminated in an informal gathering on February 13, where some drivers decided to stop picking up passengers from Changi Airport between 9 AM and midnight.

Between 4 PM and 7 PM, approximately 50 drivers parked their vehicles at the ground transport concierge’s holding area and voiced their concerns to CAG representatives and other relevant parties. The National Taxi Association (NTA), which had alerted CAG to the meeting, was also present to facilitate discussions.

After hearing the grievances of the drivers, CAG made an immediate decision to suspend the minibus trial. The suspension remains in place, according to a spokesperson from CAG.

In response to the incident, CAG has tightened its oversight of Woodlands Transport’s operations at the ground transport concierge. The airport operator has also pledged to engage taxi drivers and the NTA more directly and regularly before implementing any future changes to the concierge service.

Minister Chee acknowledged the role of the NTA and taxi driver association leaders in managing the situation, which ensured that taxi services at the airport were not disrupted. While Woodlands Transport has yet to comment on the matter, its website states that the company operates a fleet of 1,300 vehicles, including buses, coaches, and trucks.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between different transport operators and the importance of clear regulations to maintain fair competition. Moving forward, the government and airport authorities aim to work more closely with taxi drivers to prevent similar disputes.

Labels:
Location: Singapore

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Punggol Northshore BTO Plagued by Water Seepage and Electrical Hazards

  ***Update: HDB, Maincon and Consultant has came down to the unit to check. Will update on status once we have more information. A Punggol Northshore BTO homeowner, who moved into his newly renovated flat in July 2024, has voiced frustration over severe water leakage issues that have left his unit unsafe and unlivable. Water has been observed seeping from an electrical powerpoint, with puddles forming on the floor and walls showing bubbling and signs of damage from moisture. The source of the leak appears to be an external wall adjacent to the master bedroom, according to assessments by the main contractor. However, the leakage has already caused significant damage to the flat's walls and paintwork, leaving the homeowner distressed. Adding to the frustration, the main contractor advised the homeowner to avoid using the affected power switches in the living room and bedroom due to the risk of a short circuit. Despite the warning, the homeowner has no choice but to turn on the light...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Gateway to Singapore’s Digital Future, Punggol Coast MRT Station Opens Today!

  The Punggol Coast MRT station, the 17th station on the North East Line (NEL), officially opened on December 10, 2024. Located in the heart of the Punggol Digital District (PDD), it extends the NEL’s total length to 22 km and enhances accessibility for over 200,000 households within a 10-minute walk of an NEL station. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, speaking at the launch, emphasized the station's role in transforming Punggol Town into a vibrant, connected, and sustainable hub. Travel time for Punggol North residents to Outram Park is now reduced to 45 minutes, down from 60 minutes. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted the foresight in planning Singapore’s transport infrastructure, such as provisions made two decades ago for the Cross Island Line interchange at Punggol MRT station. This long-term approach underscores Singapore’s commitment to future generations. The station integrates seamlessly with PDD, a 50-hectare smart and sustainable district focusing on digital indus...
Post a Comment
Read more

Crackdown on Illegal Ride-Hailing with 4 Drivers Caught in LTA Operation

  In a recent operation conducted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore, four drivers were caught and had their vehicles impounded for providing illegal ride-hailing services. These unauthorized services operated both within Singapore and across the border to Malaysia, posing significant risks to passengers. The LTA has issued a stern warning to the public, advising against using such illegal services due to the lack of proper licensing and insurance, which can leave passengers vulnerable in the event of accidents. The operation underscores LTA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and regulation of ride-hailing services in Singapore. Drivers caught offering illegal ride-hailing services without a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Licence face severe penalties, including fines of up to $3,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. These measures are in place to deter unlicensed operators and protect passengers from potential harm. Illegal ride-hailing services oft...
1 comment
Read more