Transport council to impose stiffer penalties for taxi fare evaders from May 9

Taxis at the Lucky Plaza taxi stand on March 31, 2015. PHOTO: ST FILE

The Public Transport Council (PTC) will increase the penalties for taxi fare evasion from May 9, to better protect the interests of taxi drivers.

Fare evaders will now be liable for a fine of $200 for the first offence, up from $100 previously, and $400 for the second offence, up from $200, in addition to payment of the unpaid taxi fare.

Repeat offenders who commit three or more offences and offenders who do not pay the unpaid taxi fare will be prosecuted.

PTC Chief Executive Alvin Chia said the stiffer penalties were due to a rising trend in taxi fare evasion.

"In 2015, there were a total of 240 fare evasion cases. This is three times the number in 2013, and a 90% increase from the 125 cases in 2014," he said, adding that the stiffer penalties will help to deter such offences.

Mr Chia said that the PTC would continue to work with cab companies to stop taxi fare evasion.

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