Impact of Minimum Mileage Rule on Taxi Availability

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Transport whether the imposition of the minimum daily mileage has resulted in more taxis being available for commuters and whether there are any other plans by LTA to ensure that taxis are more readily available in Singapore.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew: Since the introduction of the Taxi Availability (TA) standards in January 2013, the percentage of taxis on the roads during peak periods has increased from about 82% in 2012 to 87% in the first five months of this year. This translates to over 1,300 more taxis available during peak hours. The percentage of taxis plying at least 250 km daily has increased from about 75% to 78% over the same period. The taxi utilisation rate, or the proportion of total taxi mileage under hire throughout the day, has increased from about 65% to 68%. In other words, more taxis are plying the roads and commuters are using them.

To complement the TA framework, LTA will conduct a taxi information system trial later this year at five selected taxi stands. This will allow LTA to monitor real-time commuter demand and provide this information to taxi companies to alert their drivers to locations with high demand.