8 drivers caught providing illegal cross-border ride-hailing services; vehicles impounded: LTA
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Drivers caught providing illegal ride-hailing services may face up to $3,000 in fines, a six-month jail term, or both.
PHOTOS: LTA/FACEBOOK
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SINGAPORE – Eight drivers were caught in the past week providing illegal cross-border ride-hailing services, and their vehicles have been impounded.
In a Facebook post on Sept 30, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said enforcement operations were conducted at the land checkpoints after tip-offs from the National Private Hire Vehicles Association and National Taxi Association.
Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling said in a Facebook post on Sept 30 that the LTA has had discussions with the Malaysian authorities to put forward proposals to increase boarding and alighting points for commuters, and to encourage more taxis and more types of vehicles to provide legal cross-border services.
She added that the discussions were held in a bid to improve the convenience of cross-border taxi services for local commuters.
“Safeguarding our drivers’ livelihoods is also a priority and we will need to make use of technology to track foreign vehicles’ use of our roads,” she said.
Drivers caught providing illegal ride-hailing services may face up to $3,000 in fines, a six-month jail term, or both. They may also have their vehicles forfeited.
To offer taxi or private-hire car services here, all motorists must hold a Public Service Vehicle Licence. Malaysia-registered taxis must also have an Asean Public Service Vehicle Permit. Both licences are issued by the LTA.
ComfortDelGro announced on Sept 18 that bookings for cross-border rides to Johor Bahru from anywhere in Singapore can be made via its hotline
The transport giant said its 90 cabbies who have valid cross-border taxi licences will be available to provide the service.
Likewise, Strides Premier, which is owned by transport operator SMRT, announced on Sept 19 a cross-border taxi service
Previously, nine drivers caught offering illegal ride-hailing services
The drivers were caught during patrols in Arab Street, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Marsiling Road and Changi Airport, the LTA said in a Facebook post on Sept 26.
Separately, in August, government action was taken against the app inDrive for facilitating illegal ride-hailing activities. The app has been restricted in Singapore since Aug 27
