http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?st…
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.
