LTA steps up enforcement against bus touts

SINGAPORE — In order to safeguard passenger safety and interests, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said it will be stepping up enforcement checks on bus drivers who tout their services at various locations around Singapore.

In a media statement on Friday (Sept 22), the LTA said more frequent checks are being conducted at high traffic areas, potential hotspots, as well as areas where a high volume of public feedback complaining about such touts have been received.

Between Jan 1, 2015 and Dec 31, 2016, for example, the LTA charged two drivers, imposed composition sums on 14 drivers, and issued warnings to 12 drivers touting their services.

According to the authority, a small number of errant bus drivers have continued to solicit passengers at various locations. These include Cheng Nam Wee, who was caught soliciting passengers at the taxi stands of East Coast Seafood Centre and the Sentosa Beach Station on Oct 5, 2016 and Dec 10, 2016, respectively.

He had approached potential passengers, in particular, tourists who may not be familiar with the taxi fare structure, and quoted flat fares of up to S$50 for his transport service — a pricier option than taking regular taxis.

Despite being warned and having paid composition sums of S$500 for illegal solicitation in the past, Cheng continued to do so.

Eventually, Cheng was convicted in court on July 11, and was fined S$800 for the two occasions when he illegally solicited passengers at public places. His vocational licence was also revoked by the LTA on Aug 29.

LTA’s Group Director of Public Transport, Mr Yeo Teck Guan, said the authority takes such errant behaviour seriously, and would continue to work with property owners and managers, as well as other stakeholders to address this issue.

“We will continue to carry out regular enforcement checks to deter errant bus operators, and will not hesitate to take stiff action,” Mr Yeo added.

Under rule 22A of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Vocational Licences and Conduct of Drivers, Conductors, Trishaw Riders and Passengers) Rules, bus drivers are not allowed to solicit passengers at public places.

Bus drivers who are caught doing so will be imposed with a composition sum of S$500, and repeat offenders will be prosecuted in court.