In a significant crackdown on overcharging by taxi drivers, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has imposed fines and revoked licenses of several drivers found guilty of overcharging passengers at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) and Changi Airport. This move comes amid efforts to maintain fair pricing practices in the city’s transport services, especially during the festive period.
Strict Penalties for Overcharging
Seven taxi drivers were penalized between September and early December for overcharging passengers. Two drivers faced the severe consequence of having their vocational licenses revoked after accumulating 21 demerit points for overcharging fares by S$20 or more above the metered fare. This harsh penalty reflects the seriousness with which LTA views the violation of fare regulations.
License Suspensions and Fines
In addition to the revocations, two other drivers were slapped with 12 demerit points, leading to the suspension of their vocational licenses. They were found guilty of overcharging less than S$20 above the metered fare. Three other drivers who attempted to demand higher fares but were not hired by passengers received three demerit points each.
Enforcement and Legal Options
The LTA has offered the drivers the option to pay a composition sum or face court charges. The drivers whose licenses were revoked or suspended were fined S$500, while the others faced a lighter penalty of S$100. This differentiated approach aims to proportionately penalize the drivers based on the severity of their offenses.
Increased Vigilance During Festive Season
With the festive season typically seeing a surge in tourist and local activity in areas like MBS and Changi Airport, LTA has announced that it will step up enforcement efforts. This increased vigilance is part of LTA’s commitment to ensuring that passengers are not exploited by unfair pricing practices.
Conclusion
The action taken by the LTA against taxi drivers for overcharging is a clear message to all service providers about the importance of adhering to fare regulations. The authority’s decision to increase enforcement during the festive period further underscores their dedication to protecting passengers’ interests and maintaining the integrity of Singapore’s public transport system.
Also learn about Jobless Man Sentenced to 22 Months for Damaging Supermarket Goods.
