Taxi drivers see less empty cruising in 2014

Thanks to LTA's taxi availability scheme.

Since the implementation of LTA’s Taxi Availability standards in 2012, more taxis have been plying Singapore’s roads.

According to a media release by LTA, the percentage of taxis on the roads during peak hours has increased from about 82% in 2012 to 87% in the first nine months of this year. This translates to over 1,400 more taxis being available to commuters during these hours.

LTA adds that over the same period, the percentage of taxis plying at least 250km daily has also increased, from 75% to 79%. The daily taxi utilisation rate, or the proportion of total taxi mileage under hire, has likewise increased, from about 65% in 2013 to 68% in the first nine months of 2014.

Here’s more from LTA:

To further improve taxi availability, LTA will apply the third year TA standards with some refinements from 1 January 2015. During the core peak periods of 7am to 11am and 5pm to 11pm, the minimum percentage of taxis required on the roads will be increased to 85% of each taxi company’s fleet. This standard was set when the TA framework was announced in 2012.

However, given that demand during the shoulder peak periods is lower than that of the core peak periods, LTA will not be raising the minimum percentage of taxis required on the roads during 6am to 7am and 11pm to 12 midnight timeslots. This adjustment also takes into account feedback from taxi drivers and taxi companies.