LTA Eases CBD Taxi Rules from 1 March 2012;
Operational Hours and Penalty Aligned with Full-day Bus Lane
Rules
1. From 1 March 2012, operational hours for the Central
Business District (CBD) taxi rule will be shortened and aligned
with the full-day bus lane operational hours. With the revision,
the CBD taxi rule that requires taxis to only pick-up and drop-off
passengers at taxi stands and on the driveways of buildings along
roads where public buses ply will be shortened by 2.5 hours to
between 7.30am and 8pm (Monday to Saturday, except Public
Holidays), from 7am to 10pm currently.
2. The taxi Vocational License Points System (VLPS) for
non-compliance with the CBD taxi rule will also be revised. From 1
March 2012, the existing 3 demerit point penalty for breach of the
CBD taxi rule will be removed and the fine increased from $100 to
$130, to also bring it in line with the full-day bus lane
penalty.
3. The shorter hours will allow taxi drivers to pick-up and
drop-off passengers along roads where public buses ply, and for
passengers to hail a taxi along these roads earlier.
4. These adjustments were made in consultation with taxi
companies and taxi driver associations, who expressed support for
the changes and agreed that it strikes a balance between minimising
safety risks and addressing the operational concerns of taxi
drivers when driving in the CBD.
5. Mr Colin Lim, LTA's Group Director of Vehicle and Transit
Licensing said, "We have reviewed the operational hours and traffic
situation following feedback from the National Taxi Association
(NTA) and taxi companies. Our key consideration for the CBD rule is
safety. As traffic in the CBD is lighter after 8pm, we have relaxed
the CBD taxi rule to align with the full-day bus lane operational
hours. This balances safety concerns while providing taxi drivers
and passengers with more convenience."
6. Said President, National Taxi Association (NTA) Mr Wee Boon
Kim: "We are glad that LTA has listened and considered NTA's
feedback carefully in their decision-making on the easing of CBD
rules. This refinement and shortening of hours on the pick-up and
drop-off of passengers inside the CBD area would benefit not just
our drivers, but also the passengers. It would make it easier and
more convenient for passengers to hail a cab and alight near their
destination. At the same time, we are pleased that LTA has decided
to withdraw the demerit points accorded to drivers who breach the
rules."
7. Since the implementation of the CBD taxi rule on 1 March
2008, the number of taxi stands in the CBD has increased to 121, up
from 80 previously. Taxi stands are located within 250 metres or
about a 5-minute walk from major buildings within the CBD to make
it easier for taxi passengers to hail a taxi from a taxi stand, and
for taxi drivers to pick-up or drop-off their passengers
safely.
8. In addition to taxi stands, taxi drivers can pick-up and
drop-off passengers at the driveways of about 220 buildings in the
CBD.
Summary, 3 demerit points selling for $30 which equates to 1
point for $10.
