The National Taxi Association (NTA) has called for operator Smart to fulfil its obligations to drivers and not leave them in the lurch.

In a statement responding to the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) decision to not renew Smart's operator license, the taxi union said Smart should honour all outstanding payments due to drivers, including hiring agreements and contractual bonuses. NTA adviser Ang Hin Kee also asked the operator to return all security deposits due to drivers, and added that the union is ready to assist affected members.

He urged the LTA to exercise its influence: "Any licensing terms should ensure that resources are put in to assist taxi drivers whose livelihood will be affected by this decision.

"We have also requested that LTA put in a hotline for affected drivers to help address any issues. It is thus assuring that LTA is agreeable to our suggestions and will be doing its best to look after taxi drivers who may be affected," he added.