Most taxis must be on the road during peak periods: LTA
UPDATED (23 November 2012 6:22pm. Adds details on how many taxis must be on the road during peak hours)
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Friday new taxi rules to improve the availability of taxis.
From next year, taxi operators have to make sure a certain percentage of their fleets are on the road at certain times.
For example, they must see to it that 70 per cent of their taxis are out from 7am to 11m and from 5pm to 11pm.
They must also ensure that at least 70 per cent of their taxi fleet clock a minimum daily mileage of 250km. This will be increased to 85 per cent in 2015.
The LTA also eased up on taxi pick-up rules. Taxis will be allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at most places within the central business district starting from next year.
Only those roads with bus lanes during their operation hours and specific roads which are dangerous for all vehicles to stop such as Finlayson Green, High Street, Orchard Link and Esplanade Drive will remain off limits.
Currently, taxis are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers between 7.30am to 8pm on Mondays to Saturdays only at designated taxi stops in the CBD and along side roads in the CBD.
These changes come after LTA had a study and consultation on its new Taxi Availability (TA) indicators.
New TA standards will also be applied to individual taxi operators on their respective fleet sizes.
In addition, LTA will also set up an online portal to match hirers and relief drivers to facilitate matching.
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