Enforcement Action Against Errant Taxi Drivers for Overcharging Offences

          On 15 December 2023, LTA took enforcement action against seven taxi drivers for overcharging offences under Section 41(7) of the Public Transport Council Act 1987. 

2.       These offences took place between September 2023 and early December 2023 at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) and Changi Airport.

3.       Four drivers were found to have overcharged passengers by collecting fares exceeding the metered fare. Two drivers had collected a fare that is less than $20 above the metered fare, while two other drivers had collected a fare that is $20 or more above the metered fare. These four drivers were offered an opportunity to compound their offences, in lieu of being charged in Court, as follows:

4.       Under LTA’s Vocational Licence Demerit Points System, an accumulation of 6 demerit points or more would result in the suspension of the vocational licence, while 21 demerit points or more would result in the revocation of the vocational licence.

5.       The remaining three drivers were found to have demanded fares beyond the metered fare but the passengers did not accept the ride. These drivers were offered an opportunity to compound their offences at $100. Upon compounding their offences, they will be further penalised with 3 demerit points. LTA will proceed to charge the seven taxi drivers in Court if they do not accept the offer of composition.

6.       LTA has worked with MBS, where there have been more incidents of touting and overcharging, to enhance traffic circulation and manage the taxi queue along the driveway of the integrated resort. In addition, MBS will be setting up a limousine service counter at the driveway to provide the public with a premium service option, should they opt not to join the queue for a metered taxi. This is to ensure that limousine transport services are carried out properly.

7.       LTA takes a serious view of touting and overcharging. Such practices by a minority of drivers compromise the interests of passengers, and undermine the integrity and reputation of the point-to-point passenger transport industry. We will be stepping up enforcement efforts during this festive period and will not hesitate to take errant drivers to task. We will also continue to conduct frequent checks at high-traffic areas, potential hotspots and locations reported to LTA by members of the public.

8.       LTA has also issued a circular to taxi operators urging them to reinforce awareness among their drivers of the penalties for touting and overcharging.

9.       Members of the public are encouraged to report incidents of touting, overcharging or drivers refusing to use the taximeter through [email protected] or the e-service “Report Vehicle-Related Offences” at www.OneMotoring.lta.gov.sg. To facilitate investigations, they should provide information such as the vehicle’s registration plate number (where possible), date, time and a brief account of the incident.

Recent incident(s)

A taxi driver in Singapore charged an astonishing $100 for a mere 8-minute trip from Marina Bay Sands (MBS) to Pickering Park Royal. But that’s not all; the driver also attempted to refuse a credit card payment and insisted on cash.

The customer, YouTuber Carl Runfield, documented the incident on his vlog and titled it “EXPOSING A TAXI DRIVER IN SINGAPORE!!!”

Charging $100 from MBS to Pickering Park Royal

The incident in question involved a taxi ride that should have cost a fraction of the $100 fare charged. A short 2.8km journey from Marina Bay Sands to Pickering Park Royal.

The taxi driver first asked where the group was heading to, and they told him that they were heading to Park Royal at Pickering, which was a very short 8 minutes ride away, to which the driver then touted a $100 flat fare to them, which he explained was because the traffic “is very jammed, very jammed.”

Shortly after arriving at the destination, the driver insisted on cash payment, saying that his card machine was not working.

However, the passengers insisted on paying with their card and the left with no choice, the driver accepted the card and his card machine then magically started working.

In a distressing incident, a 35-year-old civil servant, Mr. Singh, and his wife found themselves victims of a malicious cyber scheme while attempting to sell their second-hand sofa.

The couple, both helpless witnesses, saw a staggering sum of $45,000 vanish from their joint account within a matter of minutes. This ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the evolving threats in the digital realm, according to Lianhe Zaobao.

The Deceptive Transaction

Mr. Singh initiated the transaction after responding to a Facebook ad for buying second-hand items. Engaging in a conversation on Facebook, the negotiation swiftly moved to WhatsApp, a common platform for such transactions.

After negotiating a deal for $600, the fraudster, under the guise of a buyer, initiated a call and sent a link. The link, purportedly for tracking the delivery, was the first step in a carefully orchestrated scam. Mr. Singh, urged to check for the delivery code, unknowingly fell prey to the cybercriminal’s tactics.

The Unraveling Scheme

As evening descended, the fraudster called again, ostensibly to arrange for the collection of the sofa. It was at this moment that Mr. Singh realized his phone was compromised.

The cybercriminal had manipulated his device, creating a new account with a local bank and subsequently exploiting the vulnerabilities to transfer funds from Mr. Singh’s personal and joint accounts.

Despite Mr. Singh’s prompt action, reaching out to DBS bank and the authorities, the cybercriminal managed to siphon off the entire savings of $45,000. The aftermath left the couple in financial dire straits, relying solely on their monthly income to navigate living expenses, loan repayments, and the needs of their two children and pets.

The Bank’s Response

Seeking redress, the couple approached DBS bank, expecting full compensation for their losses. However, the bank, citing its policies, offered only half of the defrauded amount as a goodwill gesture.

In response to the incident, the bank highlighted its anti-malware measures. As of September, the bank has been progressively implementing tools to detect and counteract malicious software on customers’ mobile applications, restricting access if potential threats are identified.

In a quiet corner of Block 25, Hougang Avenue 3, tragedy struck on Dec. 14, when the lifeless body of an 81-year-old man was discovered.

This heart-wrenching incident takes an even more sorrowful turn as the man’s son, grappling with special needs, was suspected to have shared the flat with his deceased father for at least five days, according to Lianhe Zaobao.

A Silent Cry for Help

The son, whose exact age is estimated to be in his 30s or 40s, found himself in a challenging situation due to his low IQ, relying heavily on his father for support. Disturbingly, it was revealed that he had sought help from neighbors, leaving them puzzled and concerned.

Ai Su, a 25-year-old neighbor, shared her encounter with the son, describing how he knocked on her door on Dec. 13, only to leave without uttering a word. The peculiar incident, initially dismissed, took a haunting turn as neighbors reflected on the potential plea for assistance.

The Unseen Struggles of Father and Son

Zheng Qingliang, a 71-year-old acquaintance of the deceased, disclosed that the elderly man was burdened by worry about his son’s well-being. Deeply concerned about his son’s future, the late father had expressed fears that his departure would leave his son in misery.

Zheng also shed light on the absence of other family members, revealing that the deceased’s wife had been absent for decades. The son’s routine, attending a special needs school in Ang Mo Kio, and returning home alone, added layers to the poignant narrative.

Unraveling the Tragic Discovery

Zhang, a 35-year-old neighbor, painted a bleak picture, mentioning that both the father and son were grappling with diabetes. She had not seen the elderly man for several days, and a noxious smell in the vicinity hinted at the unfolding tragedy.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force responded to a distress call on Dec. 14 at around 11:20 am, confirming the grim discovery. A SCDF paramedic pronounced the elderly man dead at the scene. Investigations are ongoing, and as of now, the police do not suspect foul play.

The Police will be charging a 33-year-old man and 38-year-old woman on 15 December 2023 for allegedly using criminal force as well as abusive and insulting language against two National Environmental Agency (NEA) enforcement officers at Orchard Link.

On 23 July 2023 at about 6.50pm, the NEA officers were carrying out their enforcement rounds in the vicinity of Orchard Link when they spotted the duo smoking at a non-smoking area. They proceeded to stop them and issued them a summon for their actions.

During the engagement, the man allegedly hurled abusive and insulting language at the officers, tapped one of the officer’s body-worn camera, and pulled on the said officer’s lanyard. The woman purportedly pushed the hand of the other officer and attempted to touch his face. Both persons were subsequently arrested.

The offence of using abusive language against a public servant under Section 6(3) of the Protection from Harassment Act 2014 carries an imprisonment term of up to 12 months, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. The offence of using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of his duty under Section 353 of the Penal Code 1871 carries an imprisonment term which may extend to four years, a fine, or both.

The Police take a serious view against persons who obstruct public servants from carrying out their duties, and do not tolerate acts of violence towards public servants who are carrying out their duties. We will not hesitate to take action against those who blatantly disregard the law.

The bustling streets of Bugis Junction were shaken on December 1, 2023, when an incident of shop theft occurred, leaving local businesses and authorities determined to find the responsible individual. In this article, we explore the details of the case, the importance of community involvement, and how you can assist the police in bringing the culprit to justice.

Shop Theft:

A shop theft incident unfolded on December 1, 2023, prompting a call for public assistance from the authorities. This article delves into the specifics of the case and the pivotal role community members play in helping law enforcement.

Police Seeking information

“The Police are looking for the woman shown in the images below to assist with investigations into a case of shop theft which occurred at Bugis Junction on 1 December 2023.

Anyone with information is requested to call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information received will be kept strictly confidential.”

Potential Penalties

Theft in dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code. The offence carries a jail term of up to 7 years and a fine. 

Image Source: Singapore Police Force