Airbags for Taxis

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Transport whether the LTA will consider (i) making it mandatory for all taxi operators to equip their new taxis with airbags as a safety feature; and (ii) assessing whether similar additions can be made for existing fleets.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) requires all motor vehicles, including taxis, which are to be registered for use in Singapore, to comply with the registration and technical requirements set out in the Road Traffic Act (RTA) and its subsidiary legislations. This is to safeguard the safety and interests of the vehicle occupants as well as other road users.

Under the requirements, seat belts are mandatory. Optional features, such as airbags, are not mandatory because airbags serve only to supplement seat belts in enhancing the safety of vehicle occupants in the event of a collision. If seat belts are used properly, the injury risks would have already been greatly reduced. There are also significant technical and cost hurdles in retrofitting existing vehicles, including taxis, with airbags. Nonetheless, LTA will work with the National Taxi Association to encourage taxi companies to consider vehicle models with optional safety features, such as airbags, when they register new taxis.

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