I REFER to Mr Eric Sng Kin Hock's letter, 'Cabbies reject customers at Woodlands Checkpoint' (my paper, Nov 10).

Taxi drivers are not allowed to refuse to hire out their taxis without a valid reason.

We wish to assure Mr Sng that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) views all complaints seriously and will not hesitate to take stern action.

Taxi drivers found guilty of such an offence will be penalised under the Vocational Licence Points System with a fine of $300 and six demerit points if they refuse a passenger (i.e. picks and chooses fares without a valid reason).

The driver's licence would also be suspended for two weeks.

Passengers who encounter such errant drivers can report the matter to LTA on 1800-CALL-LTA (1800-225-5582), with details of the taxi's registration number, date, time and a brief account of the incident to facilitate investigations.

Ms Helen Lim
Deputy Director
Media Relations
Land Transport Authority

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