LTA Penalises 7 Taxi Drivers Who Overcharged Passengers in MBS & Changi Airport

By
Winnie Su
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Seven Taxi Drivers at MBS & Changi Airport Face Penalties for Overcharging

The long-awaited moment has arrived.

Do you recall the opportunistic taxi drivers at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)? We return with further developments, this time focusing on the penalties imposed on these drivers.

At the end of November, additional instances of touting by taxi drivers in the MBS vicinity were uncovered.

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Predominantly, these drivers targeted unsuspecting tourists and individuals perceived as non-Singaporeans.

Exploiting the situation, these taxi drivers offered rides at exorbitant rates instead of adhering to the metered fare system.

Astonishingly, they charged up to $65 for a mere 4km journey, typically costing less than $20.

Quite outrageous, isn’t it?

Interestingly, there are clear signs at the taxi stand warning against touting, indicating its punishable nature, and empowering passengers to assert their rights.

Image: 8World

If caught touting, taxi drivers face severe consequences: a $500 fine, 12 demerit points, and a suspension of their vocational licence.

Finally, Punishment For Touting

Now, the awaited punishment has been meted out.

Over a span of four months, seven drivers were penalised for overcharging passengers at MBS and Changi Airport.

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Between September and December, two drivers were caught demanding up to $20 more than the metered fare.

Another two drivers were found charging $20 or more above the metered amount.

Additionally, three drivers requested fares exceeding the metered rates, although their services were ultimately declined, as per the official statement from Land Transport Authority (LTA).

So, what are the penalties?

Four of the drivers were given the option to settle with a $500 penalty and receive either 12 or 21 demerit points – the amount depending on the fare they collected.

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Alternatively, they could face charges under the Public Transport Council Act.

Under this act, a first-time offender can face a fine up to $1,000 for fare evasion.

Repeat offenders may incur a fine up to $2,000, six months of imprisonment, or both.

An option to compound their offences at $100, instead of facing court charges, was also presented. Opting for this would result in an additional three demerit points.

Under the LTA Vocational Licence Demerit Points System, accruing six or more points can lead to licence suspension.

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Accumulating 21 or more points could result in revocation.

MBS is proactively addressing the issue by introducing a limousine service counter at its driveway, offering a premium service alternative to joining the taxi queue.

I mean, what are options are there? 

The Black “Taxi” of The Flock

Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Yeo Wan Ling, an adviser to both the National Taxi Association and National Private Hire Vehicles Association, expressed concerns on Facebook.

She emphasised that such unethical practices tarnish the driving trade’s reputation and directly affect the livelihood and safety of drivers.

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This issue extends beyond the reputation of Singapore’s taxi drivers.

It potentially impacts Singapore’s image as a tourist destination and the general perception of Singaporeans.

Acting Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat echoed similar sentiments on Facebook, highlighting how the irresponsible actions of a few can damage Singapore’s reputation.

To mitigate touting, LTA will intensify its enforcement efforts, especially during festive periods.

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LTA has reiterated the seriousness of touting and overcharging offences to taxi drivers and remains committed to frequent checks in high-traffic areas and potential hotspots, responding proactively to public reports.

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Winnie Su
Email: su.winnie@goodyfeed.com