INCREASE OF SECOND CLASS HACKNEY CARRIAGE LICENCES

Mr P. Govindaswamy asked the Minister for Communications whether he will increase the number of Second Class Hackney Carriage Licences to enable drivers of vehicles plying illegally for passengers the opportunity to apply for the licences and to operate their vehicles legally.

The Minister for Communications (Mr Yong Nyuk Lin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I regret to inform the Member for Anson that there is no intention at present to increase the number of taxi licences so that those now operating illegally as pirate taxis may thus apply to operate as licensed taxis. It should be noted that there are at present 3,800 licensed taxis of which 3,500, or more than 90 per cent, are owned by taxi drivers themselves. These licensed taxi drivers are already having quite a difficult time earning a reasonable living. The situation has been worsened by the activities of an estimated number of 10,000 pirate taxis. To allow the free issuance of another 10,000 taxi licences will mean that the present 3,800 licensed taxi drivers will be put in a worse situation than at present.

However, as the problem of pirate taxis has partly arisen through the present inadequacy and inefficiency of the bus transport system now operating in Singapore, I have decided to establish a Transport Advisory Board with the following terms of reference:-

Firstly, to study ways and means of how to improve the present public transport service, i.e., buses, taxis, etc.; and, secondly, of how to reduce congestion in our streets, including the possibility of introducing staggered working hours for Government as well as for business firms and even of schools in the city areas.

The membership of the Transport Advisory Board will include representatives from four sectors. Firstly, workers, the majority of whom would be associated with road transport. Secondly, owners of bus companies or taxis. Thirdly, organisations or individuals who are interested in the improvement or safety of road users. Lastly, Government departments representing the Registrar of Vehicles, the Traffic Police and the State and City Planning Office respectively. I shall be making an official announcement of those appointed to serve on this Advisory Board soon.