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SINGAPORE : The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has fine-tuned the rules for taxis in the Central Business District (CBD).
Starting from Monday, taxis will be allowed to pick up and drop off passengers on side roads of the CBD where buses do not ply.
Along roads that have buses plying, taxis can only pick up and drop off passengers at taxi stands or on driveways of buildings between 7am and 10pm.
LTA said cabbies have up till 1 May to get used to the revised rules, after that depending on circumstances, they may be fined if they do not comply.
According to the LTA, it will continue to install more taxi stands on roads in the CBD. It will also make taxi stand signs more prominent and install new signs to direct passengers to the nearest taxi stands.
The adjustments are made after receiving feedback from cabbies and commuters over the past two weeks.
The LTA had earlier introduced a new ruling for the CBD which required cabs to pick-up and drop-off passengers only at designated stands and driveways.
Yam Ah Mee, Chief Executive, LTA, said: "As we introduced the rules, we recognise that some passengers will be inconvenienced and that's why we sought to increase the number of taxi stands as well as announcing of the new rules. But it takes time to change and after two weeks, we think it's the appropriate time that we further strike a balance and further fine tune in order to increase the convenience to passengers."
Seng Han Thong, Adviser, Taxi Operators' Association, said: "The new ruling would ease the new situation to a greater extent. What remains is the public cooperation - taxi drivers, taxi commuters need to be further informed about the new changes."
And the changes have been welcomed by both commuters and taxi associations.
Lo Chee Wen, Vice President, SMRT Taxis, said: "I'm happy that LTA has heard the feedback and has made adjustments to the rule which will actually benefit passengers and at the same time without compromising safety."
"I think in any new rule that is being introduced there is bound to be certain level of reactions but we will try to do whatever possible to minimise such feedback but I think it's a fine balance between safety and convenience."
Foo Chi Yong, President, Premier Taxi Operators' Association, said: "I felt a great sense of relief that the authorities have a certain degree of flexibility regarding the new ruling that taxis can only stop at taxi stands, taxi stops or private driveways in the CBD. It has actually given taxi drivers a lot of convenience to do our jobs without any miscommunications with fellow commuters."
"That's good, at least more convenient for the public, more convenient for the taxi drivers especially during rainy season," said one commuter.
"I think it's a very good idea especially when it's raining. Sometimes with kids and with all the load, it's not convenient at all. We want the convenience...why take a cab when there are all this restrictions?" said another.
Others however felt more needs to be done.
"It's much better. But they should add in more taxi stands and more sign boards to direct the passengers because still a lot of passengers do not know where are the taxi stands."
And that is why LTA has promised to erect more signs or make them more prominent.
LTA will also distribute maps showing the location of taxi stands in the CBD area, to hotels and commercial buildings.
This will make it easier for commuters to locate the nearest taxi stands.
These maps will also be included in the public transport information guide for tourists.
The LTA said that it will also increase the number of taxi stands in the CBD area to make it more convenient for commuters to get cabs.
In fact by the end of this month, 10 more taxi stands will be added, bringing the number of taxi stands in the area to 115.
Commenting on the tweaking of CBD regulation for taxis, Transport Minister Raymond Lim said there is a "need to look at this issue in context".
He said LTA's principal consideration is safety and this remains a key concern.
LTA recognised the rule would cause some inconvenience which is why it consulted taxi associations and companies before implementing it.
This resulted in LTA putting up more taxi stands in the CBD and working with building owners for taxi stands to be installed in front of their buildings.
Mr Lim said as in all policies, feedback is welcomed and adjustments made when necessary.
He said some of the practical issues raised were valid, and once LTA was satisfied the risk to safety was acceptable, it decided to make adjustments sooner rather than later. - CNA/ch
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