Still Telling Taxis to Check for Lost Items – but No Jail Time Ahead
“Long‑standing rule” up for review, but it’s not a new threat of a fine—just a reminder that cabbies have to do the infamous hat‑check after every ride. Senior Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor told Parliament on Nov 28 that the rule isn’t meant to punish drivers but to protect them from the inevitable “Did I leave that thing behind?” drama.
Why the Rule Exists
Imagine a passenger walking out of a cab clutching a tennis racket, only to discover it has vanished into the ether of the vehicle. The rule’s purpose, Khor explained, is to pre‑empt those sticky disputes and keep the relationship between drivers and passengers as smooth as a freshly waxed dashboard.
Quick Take from the Parliament
- MP Don Wee (PAP – Chua Chu Kang): Asked if the rule is practical and whether the ministry might tweak it. Khor assured him that the guidance is still in place but flexible.
- MP Yeo Wan Ling (PAP – Pasir Ris‑Punggol): Inquired about the appeal process for drivers who received a warning letter. Khor clarified that appeals are available but no penalties have ever been enforced.
The Quiet Reality Behind the Rules
While the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has handed out several warnings, it has never punished a driver with a fine or demerit points. “LTA has only issued warnings in a few instances and has not imposed any financial penalties or demerit points on drivers for non‑compliance,” Khor stated confidently.
So, the next time you hop into a cab, breathe easy knowing the “item‑check” rule is more about maintaining peace than adding to your cost of living.
Taxi driver worried about losing job
Taxi Driver’s Unexpected Warning Letter Saga
On November 8, a cabbie named Ong Boon stumbled into the spotlight when he posted on Facebook that he had been slapped with a warning letter from the LTA—thanks to a passenger who left a wallet behind back in July.
What the Post Sayed
- “If a passenger drops something and then complains to the LTA, that’s the kind of backlash we can see, and we might be held liable,” Ong warned.
- He begged the LTA to rescind the letter through his MP, Tin Pei Ling, but the appeal was denied.
Why the LTA Frowned
The LTA’s rejection letter cited that he “failed to search a vehicle for any property accidentally left behind by the hirer,” an offence under the Road Traffic Rules for public service vehicles.
Ong’s Perspective
- Age: 59 years old.
- Experience: Over a decade of driving taxis.
- Concern: A new warning could tarnish his record and potentially cost him his job.
Public Reaction
The Facebook post went viral. Fellow taxi drivers and netizens chimed in, claiming Ong was unfairly punished. Some joked that a passenger’s forgotten wallet could be equivalent to a “stealthy parking ticket.”
Resolution from LTA
On November 11, Yeo—who also serves as an advisor to the National Taxi Association—announced that the LTA had decided to withdraw the warning, noting that the intent was merely to remind drivers of best practices. He added that the LTA has never prosecuted any driver for such breaches.
Takeaway
It’s a good reminder to check your cab before you drive, but the LTA wants to make sure it’s a friendly reminder, not a hard penalty. And hey, nobody enjoys a public service vehicle “loot” case—unless it’s on a story!
Quick visual scan will do
Taxi‑Central Updates on the New Luggage Rule
When Wee raised the question, “Is this rule realistic if passengers are both boarding and alighting at once?” Khor from the Ministry answered with a soothing breeze of reassurance. She reminded everyone that taxi drivers aren’t expected to hop out of their vehicles or turn into detectives hunting hidden bags. “Just a quick visual scan will do,” she said, waving off any drama.
Ong’s Letter: A Lesson in Flexibility
After the Ministry received a warning letter from Ong and then chose to withdraw it, Khor seized the moment to announce a bigger review of safety practices for cabbies and private‑hire drivers.
- Broader Review – LTA will dig into best‑practice guidelines.
- Collaboration – The agency plans to work closely with drivers and drivers’ associations.
- Public Pulse – Recent feedback will be factored into the new strategies.
Once the review is complete, LTA will share the findings in a public release. In the meantime, drivers can breathe a little easier knowing the ministry acknowledges the hustle and bustle of their day‑to‑day operations.
Contact: [email protected] – Feel free to drop a note if you’re curious about the new updates!
