Will New Penalties M Ake 'disappearing' Taxis Reappear?

Singapore, Singapore Jul 11, 2026 ALN: From Monday, taxi drivers who solicit for, overcharge, or refuse to pick up passengers will face higher fines, more demerit points, and immediate suspensions of their vocational driving licenses for two to four weeks. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has stated that it expects the combination of stiffer penalties and stepped-up enforcement to put an end to these errant practices, which have earned the ire of the public. This move comes in response to ongoing complaints from passengers who have experienced difficulties in securing taxi services, particularly during peak hours and at popular locations.

Passengers are hoping these measures will reduce the long wait times at popular locations such as Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Sentosa, and Orchard Towers, where many often despair of ever getting a taxi, especially during the evening peak hours. The LTA noted that at these entertainment hotspots, errant taxi drivers have been known to take advantage of the high demand to openly solicit business and overcharge their passengers, particularly tourists. Such practices not only frustrate local residents but also tarnish the reputation of Singapore as a tourist-friendly destination.

The authorities are currently investigating about 80 taxi drivers for such offenses since last month, with some being repeat offenders. There are approximately 23,000 taxis operating on Singapore's roads, making the taxi industry a vital part of the public transportation system. The sheer volume of taxis should ideally facilitate efficient transport; however, the actions of a minority of drivers have led to widespread dissatisfaction among passengers.

Taxi operators and the LTA appear confident in the new measures. However, taxi passengers interviewed expressed mixed feelings. While they agreed that the LTA is moving in the right direction, there is skepticism about whether the new measures will resolve the perennial problem of "disappearing cabbies" at peak hours and before late-night surcharges kick in. This skepticism is rooted in a history of similar measures that have failed to produce lasting improvements in service quality.

An LTA spokesperson commented, "We expect many of the errant drivers to cease the malpractices, including that of rejecting passengers who are unwilling to accept their demand for exorbitant fares." ComfortDelGro's chief executive officer of taxi operations, Mr. Yang Ban Seng, stated that the measure would "serve as a strong deterrent." The chairman of the Premier Taxi Operators' Association, Mr. Foo Chi Yong, emphasized that the "tougher penalties are necessary to restore the public's confidence in the taxi industry." The taxi chiefs also took pains to portray the issue as stemming from a few bad apples spoiling the image of the majority, suggesting that the majority of taxi drivers are committed to providing good service to their customers.

Under the new penalties, taxi drivers who refuse to pick up passengers could face a fine of $300, six demerit points, and an immediate two-week suspension. This represents a significant increase from the current $100 fine and three demerit points. Repeat offenders found guilty of soliciting or overcharging within a two-year period will have their vocational licenses revoked, which is a substantial consequence that aims to deter drivers from engaging in such practices.

Another issue that has been raised is "queue jumping," where passengers walk ahead of one another to flag down taxis along the road. This behavior can create chaos and frustration, particularly at busy locations. In response, the LTA announced that it will be adding 15 more taxi stands in the Central Business District (CBD) by the end of the year, increasing the total from 80. This initiative aims to ensure that there will be a taxi stand within 300 meters or a five-minute walk from buildings in the area, which should help manage the demand for taxis more effectively.

Starting in March next year, hailing taxis along the roads within the CBD will no longer be permitted. Taxis will only be allowed to pick up or drop off passengers at designated taxi stands and along private driveways, even for telephone bookings. The LTA expects this will increase the number of taxis calling at the stands and help shorten waiting times. More importantly, it will alleviate some of the difficulties currently faced in getting a cab during evening peak hours, which is a frequent complaint among commuters.

The LTA added that this measure would also reduce incidents of taxis cutting into bus lanes to pick up passengers or stopping indiscriminately, contributing to traffic congestion. However, this change has not been well received by some taxi commuters. Primary school teacher Sonya Lin questioned, "Doesn't having to walk to the nearest taxi stand defeat the purpose of taking taxis, and being able to just stick out your hand, and hope to hop into a taxi?" Such concerns highlight the need for a balance between regulation and convenience for passengers who rely on taxis for quick transit.

Similarly, marketing executive Serene Fong wondered if such changes would be effective at certain downtown spots, like Plaza Singapura, where taxi queues often form along Orchard Road rather than at the designated taxi stand. Freelance writer Wong Zijia raised concerns about what drives drivers to overcharge, asking, "Are there too many taxis and too little business to go around? Are taxi rentals too high?" These questions suggest that the issues affecting the taxi industry may be more complex than simply enforcing penalties and regulations, and they point to potential underlying economic factors that could be contributing to the problem.

Passengers also offered various suggestions for improving the situation. Sales consultant Bryan Lim noted that many taxi drivers leave the city when changing shifts in the afternoon, suggesting that a change in shift timing might be a better solution. This could help ensure that there are enough taxis available during peak hours, thereby reducing waiting times for passengers.

Starting in January, taxi companies will also be required to meet the full criteria of quality service standards. Currently, operators need to meet 80 percent of these standards. The LTA will release the results of its mystery audit of taxi services next January. Launched last month, the mystery audit is part of the LTA's ongoing efforts to improve taxi services and is conducted quarterly. The audit assesses taxi drivers on service, conduct, driving skills, and familiarity with routes. This initiative aims to ensure that drivers are not only compliant with regulations but also provide a high standard of service to passengers.

The introduction of these new measures reflects a broader trend in urban transport management, where regulatory bodies are increasingly recognizing the importance of maintaining public confidence in transportation services. The taxi industry, which has faced significant competition from ride-hailing services in recent years, must adapt to changing consumer expectations while ensuring that safety and service quality remain paramount. The effectiveness of these new penalties and regulations will likely be closely monitored by both the public and the authorities, as the outcome could set a precedent for how similar issues are approached in other urban centers around the world.