Taxi drivers don't despair, outlook for
transport industry positive in long term: Raymond
Lim
The long term outlook for the transport industry, including taxi
drivers, remains positive.
Transport Minister Raymond Lim gave this upbeat assessment when
he addressed members of the National Transport Workers' Union at
its anniversary dinner last night.
Mr Lim acknowedged that some cab drivers may be worried that the
economic downturn means fewer people will take cabs.
But he said the transport system should not be seen as a case of
either or - - where the choice for the public is either the car or
bus and train.
Rather, the system comprises a whole continuum of transport
options - from mass transport to premium services and personalised
transport.
And taxis play a role in making it easier for commuters to give
up their cars.
Mr Lim stressed public transport should not be a 'cheap' option
useful only when times are tough or when petrol prices are
high.
Commuters increasingly want quality and affordability, including
better service standards.
Hence the launch of the Customer-Centric Initiative for the Land
Transport Sector today, similar to one launched for taxis in
February this year.
Mr Lim said the aim is to train nearly 60,000 workers in the
land transport sector to provide better service in the next few
years.
That's 80 percent of the workforce in the transport sector and
they include bus captains, frontline office staff from SMRT and
Transitlink and private school bus operators. --938Live
