LAST Saturday's report, "Fewer people taking taxis", mentioned that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will provide $1 million to help promote taxi ridership. The money - slated to be matched by the taxi companies - will be used to hold promotions such as discounts and tie-ups with shopping centres and tourist attractions.

Taxpayers' money should not be used for such a purpose. Promoting taxi ridership goes against the pro-environment campaign to encourage more to switch to mass transport. Doing so also aggravates road congestion as taxis form a significant portion of traffic volume.

While I empathise with the predicament of taxi drivers during this time of economic downturn, almost all industries are affected by it. It is unfair to use public money to directly support any particular industry.

Instead, the law of supply and demand should be allowed to work itself out. The issue of lower income for cabbies is not surprising in an industry fraught with high supply - too many taxis - and low demand.

The taxi companies must solve the problem at its source. Artificially propping up demand, especially with public funds, is neither prudent nor sustainable.

The LTA must justify this expenditure.

Bryan Tan

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