TAXI DRIVERS AT SINGAPORE AIRPORT (Work-stoppage incident)

Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) if he will throw some light on the recently reported incident of certain, taxi drivers refusing to pick up passengers and of stopping other taxi drivers from picking up passengers at the Singapore Airport; and (b) what steps his Ministry will take to ensure that passengers at the Airport will not encounter any transportation problems resulting from similar incidents in the future.

Mr Ong Teng Cheong (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, the incident mentioned by the hon. Member for Delta happened at about 11.45 p.m. on Monday, 24th October this year when some taxi drivers at the Airport ceased plying for hire and persuaded their colleagues not to go into the Airport. This incident arose when a team of detectives from Joo Chiat Police Station picked up seven drivers of Datsun taxis at Paya Lebar Airport. These drivers were taken to Joo Chiat Police Station for questioning regarding an incident involving a taxi driver who was alleged to have driven off his taxi with baggage belonging to a passenger. Unfortunately, the other taxi drivers at the Airport that night were not informed of the reason for picking up the seven taxi drivers in question. Due to the confusion and uncertainty created, some of the taxi drivers decided to stop work. Other taxis, particularly radio taxis, continued to pick up passengers. The number of passengers affected was small, numbering less than 40. All the taxi drivers resumed normal operations at about 1.30 a.m. on Tuesday morning when the seven drivers returned to the Airport. By then, nearly all the passengers had left the Airport.

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Registrar of Vehicles takes a very serious view of taxi drivers who refuse to ply for hire during their working hours. Taxi drivers involved in unlawful work-stoppages will be dealt with by the Registrar of Vehicles. The Police have been requested to explain the reasons to taxi drivers at the Airport, should they wish to call up taxi drivers for questioning in the future. It is hoped that similar incidents will not occur again.

However, it should be noted that alternative transportation at the Airport is also available in the form of shuttle bus and coach services. It is anticipated that the airport bus service will be improved next year, when an additional bus company starts operation.