Changi Airport Group halts trial of mini-bus services for large groups after premium taxi drivers complain of unfair allocation of passengers and a decline in earnings.
Changi Airport Group (CAG) has temporarily suspended a trial of new mini-bus services intended for large groups of passengers following complaints from premium taxi drivers . The drivers alleged that the trial, which began in February, unfairly diverted passengers from them to the mini-buses, leading to a significant drop in their earnings.
\According to drivers, they used to secure rides after waiting 30 minutes to an hour at the airport's ground transport concierge, but the wait time increased to four or five hours after the mini-bus trial started. They claimed that Woodlands Transport, which manages the concierge, initially stated that the mini-buses would only serve larger groups or those with excessive luggage. However, they observed that passengers in groups of three to six, who typically would have taken maxi-cabs, were being directed to the mini-buses. This situation resulted in a 50% decline in earnings for many drivers who rely primarily on Changi Airport for income. \On February 13th, an estimated 70 drivers from ComfortDelGro and Prime Taxi decided to stop picking up passengers at the airport between 9 am and midnight. They parked their vehicles at the ground transport concierge to express their concerns to CAG and other relevant parties. CAG's group senior vice-president for airport operations planning, Albert Lim, acknowledged the misunderstanding and stated that the airport operator did not approve any prioritization of the mini-bus service over maxi-cabs or the dispatch method used. He also confirmed that CAG was working with various stakeholders, including the National Taxi Association (NTA), to find a solution and had suspended the mini-bus trial temporarily. The NTA assured its members that it would continue to advocate for their interests and seek a fair and long-term resolution. ComfortDelGro expressed its support for fair commercial practices and a level playing field for all taxi drivers. Meanwhile, Prime Taxi's chairman, Neo Nam Heng, stated this was a misunderstanding and that Woodlands Transport had tested the mini-buses without proper notification. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the airport's reputation and assured the drivers that he was working to clarify the situation.
Changi Airport Mini-Bus Trial Taxi Drivers Passenger Allocation Woodlands Transport National Taxi Association
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