http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_645427.html
AFTER reading about the case of cabby Yuen Swee Hong ("Cabby's
fatal stabbing reconstructed for hearing"; last Saturday), I urge
all cab companies and the Land Transport Authority to step up the
protection of taxi drivers.
Cabbies are offered the least protection and benefits in their
occupation, on top of their unstable income. The least that can be
done for them is to ensure their safety while they are making a
living.
While crimes targeting cabbies are isolated, every life lost to
petty theft and robbery is one life too many. In Sydney and
Beijing, most cabbies are protected by a plastic shield around the
driver's seat, and some have grills. Apart from satellite tracking,
perhaps an SOS button or camera could be installed in new
taxis.
With bulk purchasing, taxi companies have the ability to demand
economies of scale to bear the cost of protecting their taxi hirers
and relief drivers.
I have heard of cabbies picking up passengers who do not intend to
pay, and these passengers either dash out of the cab on nearing
their destinations or feign they have lost their wallets.
In Melbourne, Australia, it is legislated that fares are to be
prepaid from 10pm to 5am. Based on an estimated fare and zonal
guide, the fares are to be paid upfront prior to the passenger
reaching his destination. A receipt is then issued to the
passenger. Based on the actual metered fare, the difference is
either topped up or reimbursed. Cabbies have the right to refuse
passengers who are unable to foot the estimated prepaid fare.
This is something Singapore could consider implementing across taxi
companies.
Rene Yap (Ms)