SINGAPORE: It was mixed news for taxi companies in their 4th
report card.
While their performance during the last quarter of 2004 has shown
some improvement, they were also fined for the first time for their
failings as regulator Land Transport Authority gets tough on safety
standards.
Taxi companies are only allowed two accidents per 10 million
kilometres.
During the review period, the incumbent companies scored 2.48
accidents per 10 million kilometres.
This was better than the 2.69 figure in the previous quarter.
But for the actual months where they did not meet safety standards,
they were fined.
SMRT Taxis was fined $3,527 and the Yellow-Top Cabs $4,019 while
Comfort $15,269.
CityCab was fined $22,852 and on top of that, it also had to pay a
penalty of $15,147 for not meeting radiophone bookings
standards.
The LTA had previously given the taxi companies a grace period to
pull up their socks and improve their standards.
That time has run out and it is getting tough.
LTA says the penalties are calculated based on the fleet size and
degree of non-compliance.
It wasn't great news for the new kids on the block either.
SMART Taxis was fined $3,000 and Premier Taxis $2,000 for failing
to meet some safety standards.
Trans-Cab was the only one that escaped with no fines - CNA