TAXI DRIVERS AND TAXI LICENCES

Mr N. Govindasamy asked the Minister for Communications if he will consider (a) taking steps to enforce more strictly and effectively the regulation that no taxi-driver can refuse a fare on the ground that the passenger's intended journey is too short; and (b) issuing more taxi licences in order to provide more employment opportunities and also to discourage taxi-drivers from refusing a passenger because of the shortness of the intended journey.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: Mr Speaker, Sir, up to 1959, an Enforcement Section (comprising 51 inspectors) in the Registrar of Vehicles Department was responsible for carrying out enforcement duties in respect of recalcitrant taxi-drivers, etc. However, because of frequent allegations of corruption and high handedness against this Enforcement Section, it was dissolved in that year - ten years ago. Since then, the enforcement functions in respect of public service vehicles have been placed in the hands of the Traffic Police.

At present, taxi-drivers who refuse fares on the ground that the passenger's intended journey is too short are suspended from driving for a specified period, ranging from one week to one month, and the Transport Advisory Board is currently looking into this problem with a view to finding more effective ways of dealing with such offenders.

I am waiting for the recommendations of the Transport Advisory Board on the subject whether or not it is desirable to issue more taxi licences, and Government's decision will be made known at the appropriate time.

Mr N. Govindasamy: Mr Speaker, Sir, I believe the Enforcement Section was closed down in 1959 as a result of allegations against it. Is there a move by the Ministry to employ vehicle inspectors to see that taxi-drivers do not refuse a passenger's fare if he wants to go only a short distance?

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: I have already indicated in my answer that the Transport Advisory Board is looking into this problem. Whether or not it will recommend the reintroduction of this Enforcement Section should be left entirely to the Board.