TAXI SERVICE (Measures to improve)

Encik Saidi Haji Shariff asked the Acting Minister for Communications if he will provide details of plans or measures that have been or will be carried out to further improve the taxi service.

Dr Yeo Ning Hong: The Taxi Task Force which was set up in my Ministry is now in the middle of a thorough and comprehensive review of the taxi service and will make its recommendations early next year. It has undertaken several surveys to find out in detail the demand and supply characteristics of travel by taxis, the driving pattern of taxi drivers and the opinion of the general public on the taxi service. This information will enable it to draw up a long term plan to improve the service.

In the meantime we have taken steps to increase the supply of taxis next year. Two new taxi companies - SBS Taxi Pte Ltd and Singapore Commuter (Pte) Ltd - have been formed and will, between them, add about 500 new taxis on the roads. In addition the Singapore Airport Bus Service (Pte) Ltd (SABS) has plans to increase its fleet from 300 to 500 taxis. All these "company" taxis will operate in 2 shifts.

Taxi drivers will be better trained. The ROV has recently revised and improved its training course and extended it from 2 weeks to 2 months. It is also planning to introduce refresher training courses for existing taxi drivers.

I would like to assure Members that we view the taxi service as an important and integral part of public transportation and will continually strive to improve its quality.