SINGAPORE: As demand for taxi rides falls amid the economic
downturn, some cabbies appear to be more willing to flout traffic
rules, including the requirement that they pick up and drop off
passengers only at taxi stands in the Central Business District (CBD).
"Sometimes, I cut into the bus lanes just to pick up passengers. I know
it is wrong and I can get demerit points. But times are bad. I can wait
for two hours from 6pm to 8pm and no one will be waiting at the taxi
stands. I just have to take the risk (of being booked)," said a taxi
driver, who did not want to be named.
Freelance-writer Nadiah Mohd Gulzar said: "I don't usually take taxis
illegally in the CBD because most of the time, there would be a snaking
queue of taxis at the taxi stand, so getting a cab would be no problem
at all."
"However, there are times, for example, during lunch, when you can
be waiting and waiting for a cab at the taxi stand and none will stop.
You even see a few speeding by. It's at times like these I get annoyed
and if I'm in a hurry, I will move away from the taxi stand to
somewhere down the road where I know I can get a cab, although it is
illegal now," she said.
But many of the taxi drivers TODAY spoke to agree that the taxi stand
rule helps to cut down traffic congestion in the CBD and ensure that
cabs stop and move off safely, especially during peak periods.
"I do not alight by the side of the road mainly because I try not to
get the taxi driver into trouble," said Mr Leong Wai Kit, 30, an
advertising executive who works in the CBD.
The CBD taxi-stand rule, implemented last March, requires cabs to pick
up and drop off passengers only at designated stands in the CBD.
The rule applies between 7am and 10pm from Mondays to Saturdays on
roads used by public buses, except on public holidays. Cabbies who
flout the rule can be fined $100 and given three demerit points.
A Land Transport Authority spokesperson said it is working with the
taxi companies and taxi operator associations to remind cabbies of the
rule.
- TODAY/so
It's very true .....
Survival code of conduct !!!!