Taxi drivers affected by the coronavirus crisis can drive buses or be deployed to lessen crowding on trains, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said yesterday.

Speaking during a visit to Bright Hill station on Stage 2 of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), Mr Khaw said having "temporary transport ambassadors to help commuters keep safe distances" was an idea mooted by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean.

"These are temporary positions to support higher manpower needs at our stations during this special period," Mr Khaw said. "These ambassadors can also help to sanitise train cabins, seats, poles more frequently."

During pre-outbreak times, MRT trains could pack as many as four commuters per square metre during peak hours. Although crowding has reduced since the coronavirus forced many to work from home, public transport commuters are still placed well within the 1m distance recommended by the Government for entertainment venues, restaurants, hawker centres and cinemas.

Mr Khaw said: "I would very much like to do the same for buses and trains. Unfortunately, as public transport has to accommodate large numbers of people at the same time, this is very challenging. Almost impossible, unless we can substantially reduce peak hour demand. I say: let's try."

Mr Khaw said transport ambassadors could be employed on three or six-month contracts, "depending on how long the pandemic lasts".

Cabbies who have seen their earnings hit by the Covid-19 pandemic can fill these roles. "The extra cash allowance may also come in handy... to supplement their reduced income," Mr Khaw said, adding that the Land Transport Authority will work with transport operators to get the scheme up "in the coming weeks".

He also said displaced cabbies can opt to become bus captains.

Two hours after Mr Khaw spoke, ComfortDelGro and SMRT issued statements inviting cabbies and private-hire drivers to switch to driving buses.

ComfortDelGro chief executive Yang Ban Seng said: "Our cabbies may not be our staff but they are definitely one of us - people we have worked closely with for years and we want to ensure that they are looked after. Our message to them is... if you really have to give up your taxi, think about being a bus captain. You are welcome there."

Taxi drivers and private-hire drivers say their earnings have dropped by as much as 60 per cent since the outbreak hit Singapore in January. Many have given up driving as a result, despite financial aid from the Government and operators.

While no operator would divulge its unhired rate, industry observers reckon it could be as high as 30 per cent. If so, more than 20,000 drivers have given up their vehicles.