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Win-win plan for private-hire car drivers, cabbies needed

I read with concern the report “Taxi groups seek tougher rules to ensure a level playing field for cabbies” (April 13).

Private-hire car operators have supplemented the taxi supply but a level playing field is required. TODAY FILE PHOTO

Private-hire car operators have supplemented the taxi supply but a level playing field is required. TODAY FILE PHOTO

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I read with concern the report “Taxi groups seek tougher rules to ensure a level playing field for cabbies” (April 13).

Undoubtedly, private-hire car operators have supplemented the taxi supply during the morning and evening peak hours, and have eased the waiting time during those periods.

I think the relevant authority has observed this for some time, weighing up the pros and cons, and is finally recognising the legal existence of the new players, namely Grab and Uber.

During off-peak hours, however, taxis are on the roads without a fare most of the time. This oversupply has affected the income of cabbies, regardless of the taxi operator.

Striking a healthy balance in supply and demand and finding a long-term win-win solution are at the crux of the issue, and the taxi industry is looking forward to this.

For example, the current taxi operators could review and modify their business model and form joint ventures in their operations. But for a level playing field, the authorities must consider the sufficiency and depth of vocational training for private-hire drivers.

The proposed mandatory training for securing a Private Hire Car Driver’s Vocational Licence lasts only 10 hours, which is not in proportion to the training time needed for a Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licence (60 hours, to be shortened to 25 hours). Besides that, all taxi drivers must go for the refresher course every six years to refresh and strengthen their knowledge of traffic rules and safety consciousness.

Finally, private-hire car operators should stipulate in detail on their company website their insurance coverage for third-party liability, such as when their drivers get involved in an accident. This would be in line with the present taxi practice.

I hope the Government will duly consider these concerns and make the playing field fairer.

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