There are a variety of reasons why it is difficult to get a cab ("LTA scrapping minimum daily mileage for taxis"; Dec 18).

One reason, I suspect, is that many drivers are not hungry enough, and therefore do not drive as hard and take things easy.

Several cabbies have told me that they rent taxis more for their own use, and pick up commuters only when they want to.

The move to scrap the 250km minimum daily mileage that cabbies have to clock on Jan 1 will only enable such drivers to resume their old habits.

Commuters would then have to resort to ride-hailing services.

This is a risk for them, as the drivers do not have the same rigorous training as cabbies and may not have the appropriate insurance coverage, should accidents occur.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said that commuters will not be affected because taxi operators still have to ensure that 85 per cent of their fleets are on the road during peak periods.

But enforcement would surely be near impossible.

The LTA has to ensure that its recommendations are effective in practice when the changes are made.

Michael Loh Toon Seng (Dr)