Illegal Vehicles Operating as Taxis

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Transport (a) what are the current enforcement plans in place to regulate private or rental vehicles from operating as taxis to ferry commuters; (b) what is the number of errant drivers or illegal vehicles that have been caught operating as taxis in the past one year; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider putting in place a regulatory framework for third-party providers of taxi booking applications so that no unlicensed drivers are allowed to operate unauthorised vehicles as taxis.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew: Under the Road Traffic Act, only licensed taxis can ply the roads for hire. Any person who operates an unlicensed taxi, or permits a motor vehicle to be used as one, is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $3,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both. The vehicle used may also be forfeited. There were no convictions related to unlicensed taxis in the past year.

LTA is reviewing the impact of third-party taxi booking applications on the taxi industry and will share more details when ready.