National Taxi Association

We are ONE
From 26 June 2010, the National Taxi
Association will be the collective
voice of taxi drivers in Singapore. This
Commemorative Book marks the event
and also traces the journey of taxis as an
important mode of public transport in
Singapore.
1
The taxi ride so far
Pirate
Taxis
1886
1918
1952
1960s
First cars arrive in Singapore.
Days of private cars for hire
as taxis.
Small taxi associations form
based on locality.
The heydays of ‘pa wong chia’
or pirate taxis.
CTOA
CCOA
TTOA
1970
1997/1998
1998
2003
NTUC Comfort, first taxi
Co-operative, forms.
Taxi associations form.
Medisave scheme for taxi
drivers -$67.5 m or $750 per
driver for five years.
Taxi industry liberalises:
Four new taxi companies
form.
PTOA
SCOA
TCOA
The six strokes of the Chinese character ‘合’ (pronounced ‘her’), symbolise the six
different taxi operators’ associations. Working together as one, we have come together
in harmony to form the National Taxi Association.
2003
2003
2005
2006
Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (Sars) strikes
Singapore.
The Taxi Operators’ Savings
Scheme starts.
Three more taxi associations
form.
First foray into New Media.
“合”有六划，象征着2010年6月之前的六家德士师傅协会现已组成全国
德士师傅协会，今后力量更加强大。
Enam coret yang membentuk huruf Cina ‘he’ (disebut sebagai ‘合’ ), melambangkan
enam
persatuan
teksi berlainan
yang
telah diwakili
sehingga
2010 oleh
Persatuan
The
six strokes
of the Chinese
character Œhe¹
(pronounced
as he), symbolise
theJun
six different
taxi associations
which
were represented
until June
2010 by the Taxi
Operators¹
Association
(TOA). Working
together
as one,
Operator¹
Teksi (TOA).
Bekerjasama
dengan
semangat
bersatu,
kita telah
berkumpul
they
haveharmoni
come together
in harmony
to form the
National Taxi
Association.
dalam
untuk
membentuk
Persatuan
Teksi
Kebangsaan.
2
Œhe
‘he’ ��� �� �������� ��� �� �����������, TOA ��� ���� ��������
�������� 2010 ��� ���� ��� ����������� �� ������ ���� ��������
���������. ������ �������, ��� ���� ���� ������ ����� �����������.
H1N1
2006
2007
2009
2010
Members’ handbook.
Enhanced IncomeShield for
taxi drivers.
H1N1 flu pandemic strikes
Singapore.
NTA, the unified voice of all
taxi drivers, inaugurates.
3
Contents
06
Messages
26
Fighting crises
We are ONE
Editorial Advisor
• NTUC President, Mr John De Payva
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars)
• NTUC Secretary-General, Mr Lim Swee Say
• Terrorism threat
Project Co-ordinators: Chang Meng Dong
: Jimmy Wee
: Peggy Chen
• NTUC Assistant Secretary-General,
• H1N1 flu pandemic
40
U Fighters
• Changes to taxi industry
Advisor to NTA, Mr Seng Han Thong
• President of NTA, Mr Wee Boon Kim
4
16
Our history
• Link to the top
• Early days
• Medisave breakthrough
• Forming Co-operative
• School for cabbies
• Forming associations
• Caring and connecting
• Record high membership
Editor
Art Director
Project Manager
: Mr Seng Han Thong
: Ambiga Raju
: Kelvin Teo
: Mike Chew
Copyright June 2010
Publisher: NTUC Media Co-operative Limited for and
on behalf of the National Taxi Association. No photograph or article may be reproduced in part or full
from this book without the consent of the publisher.
Printer: KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd
5
s
e
g
a
s
s
e
M
NTUC President
Mr John De Payva
NTUC Secretary-General
Mr Lim Swee Say
NTUC Assistant Secretary-General
Advisor, NTA
Mr Seng Han Thong
President of NTA,
Mr Wee Boon Kim
献词
Mr John De Payva
President, NTUC
德培华
全国职工总会会长
On behalf of the Central Committee of
NTUC, I send fraternal greetings and
warmest congratulations to National
Taxi Association on its inauguration.
short term and the economy is now
back on its feet growing at a phenomenonal pace.
Coupled with the opening
of the two Integrated
Over the last few years, I am pleased
to note that the six taxi associations Resorts, I am sure our “Taxi
have been instrumental in helping Ambassadors” now have more
its members in many ways. Besides opportunities to earn a better
helping members with their appeals income.
on traffic offences, they have
also obtained diesel tax rebates
concessions from the Government to
top up Medisave accounts and helped
members tide over several crises
like the Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (Sars) and the H1N1 flu
pandemic. They have also introduced
affordable
healthcare
packages
and collaborated with the industry
to continuously upgrade customer
service skills of their members.
8
‘Taxi Ambassadors’
Singapore has just recovered from
a severe recession in 2009 and like
most Singaporeans, our taxi members
were also badly affected during the
downturn.
Fortunately, the financial crisis was
I am confident the National Taxi
Association will be able to continue
playing a vital role in enhancing the
interests of its members.
May I wish you all many successful
years ahead.
我代表全国职工总会中央委员会，在此向全
国德士师傅协会的成立，表达最热烈的祝
贺。
我很高兴，在过去几年里， 六家德士师傅协
会为会员提供了多方面的帮助。除了为违反
交通规则的会员上诉外，也成功争取到用柴
油税回扣填补保健储蓄户口，帮助会员渡过
沙斯和甲型流感等流行病肆虐的时期，并引
进会员可负担的保健配套，以及和业界合作
提升会员的客户服务技巧。
德士大使
新加坡刚于2009年从一场严重的经济衰退中
复苏，就如许多新加坡人，我们的德士师傅
也在这场危机中受到很大的打击。
幸运的是，金融危机很快就过去了，我国经
济正以惊人的速度增长。
随着两个综合娱乐城的开幕，我肯
定我们的“德士大使”现在将有机
会赚取更多收入。
我有信心，全国德士师傅协会成立后，将能
继续发挥关键作用，为会员争取福利。
谨此祝愿你们前程似锦。
9
Mr Lim Swee Say
Secretary-General, NTUC
林瑞生
全国职工总会秘书长
Just a year ago, the economic situation
was bleak and gloomy as we battled our
worst economic recession in 60 years.
The mood has changed drastically in
the last 12 months. Today, we rejoice
as Singapore experiences one of its
strongest economic recovery ever.
The recent opening of the two
Integrated Resorts has helped to
also fuel further this buoyant mood
and rejuvenate the tourism industry
which had taken a beating in the last
recession.
It’s going to be hard to predict what
is going to happen in the next 12
months given the global economic
uncertainties.
We must prepare ourselves to expect
such frequent and sudden changes to
the economy. As such, I urge the taxi
industry to also embrace “change” as
Singapore powers ahead.
10
The taxi industry has had its fair
share of changes in the last seven
years as well. The release of the Land
Transport Authority (LTA) review, the
liberalisation of the taxi industry and
the de-regulation of fares have led to
more taxi operators, a larger taxi fleet
and different fare structures.
Whether new or experienced, all taxi
drivers will have to understand these
changes and adapt as new changes
come along. In this respect, the
Taxi Operators’ Associations (TOA)
has done well to help members
understand and adjust to changes
that affect the livelihood of taxi
drivers.
Cheaper Better Faster
I am heartened that the six taxi
associations under TOA are forming
the National Taxi Association (NTA) to
further the interests and well-being
of all taxi drivers in Singapore to help
them cope better with changes. The
taxi industry is like other industries
too in that it will face intense
competition and higher demands
from commuters.
To survive, taxi drivers have
to
constantly
innovate,
transform and change to
provide Cheaper Better Faster
taxi services. As part of the NTA,
taxi drivers can now leverage on the
Association to work with key strategic
partners and stakeholders to develop
new programmes and initiatives that
will help transform the taxi service
and help members become more
productive, capable and adaptable to
be able to ride on new opportunities.
On this note, I congratulate NTA on its
inauguration.
一年前，经济局势非常糟糕，前景非常暗
淡，我们面对了60年来最严重的经济衰退。
不过，在过去的12个月里，情况产生了巨大
的变化。今天，我们取得有史以来最强劲的
经济复苏，这是一件令人感到欣喜的事情。
近期两个综合娱乐城陆续开张，更进一步推
动了这股高涨的情绪，并且振兴了在经济衰
退期间遭受打击的旅游业。
可是，全球经济仍然存在不确定因素，所以
我们很难预测接下来12个月的局势发展。
我们必须为经济局势的频繁突变做好准备。
我呼吁德士业在国家向前迈进的时候，随时
准备应变。
过去7年来，德士业经历了一些变化。根据陆
路交通管理局公布的报告，自从当局开放德
士业，以及放松车费管制之后，涌现了不少
新的德士公司、更大的车队，车费的结构也
不一样。
无论是新手或是经验丰富的德士师傅，都应
该了解这些变化，并且要懂得适应。在这方
面，六家德士师傅协会做得很好，他们协助
会员了解局势，适应这些影响他们生计的改
变。
更好 更快 更有效益
六家德士师傅协会组成全国德士师傅协会，
进一步为德士师傅争取福利，协助他们更好
地应对变化，让我感到欣慰。德士业和其他
行业一样，面对激烈的竞争，以及乘客更高
的要求。
为了生存，德士师傅必须不断创
新、转型和改变，以提供更快、更
好、更有效益的服务。
全国德士师傅协会现在可以跟主要的策略伙
伴和相关团体，共同推出新的计划，改造既
有的服务，从而提高德士师傅的生产力、工
作能力和适应力，让他们抓住新的机遇，并
且从中受惠。
谨此祝贺全国德士师傅协会圆满成立。
11
Mr Seng Han Thong
Assistant Secretary-General, NTUC
Advisor, NTA
成汉通
全国职工总会助理秘书长
全国德士师傅协会顾问
In both good and bad times, the taxi
industry seems to be in the news.
In good times, people feel they can
afford a taxi ride. Demand is higher
for taxis but finding a taxi becomes a
problem. In bad times, the taxis cruise
around and form long queues at taxi
stands looking for passengers. Either
way, they attract media attention.
Since the liberalisation of the taxi
industry in 2003 which allowed
more taxi companies to operate,
competition has increased in the
industry. The taxi driver has more
choices. The global economy has
also presented challenges with many
bust and boom cycles in the past ten
years. The crisis after crisis that the taxi
industry has been facing has affected
the livelihood of taxi drivers.
and unified voice in the Taxi Tripartite
Industry Committee which raises their
concerns and finds solutions to their
problems.
关关难过关关过
With the inauguration of the National
Taxi Association, and with the
development of the taxi industry
and Singapore’s economy, we’re
entering a new chapter. Even more
developments await the taxi industry
as our economy goes through another
rebound after a recession.
在好年头里，人们搭德士不是问题，搭不到
德士是个大问题。在坏年头里，有车龙没人
龙，德士行业又成了媒体的焦点。
We have many important
responsibilities ahead to ensure
that our members will always
be able to share the fruits
of
Singapore’s
economic
development, just like all other
But, crossing each hurdle well and Singaporeans.
12
sailing through difficulties has been
possible because of the strength
and unity of the Taxi Operators’
Associations (TOA). Ever since the
formation of the TOA, we have pooled
brain and brawn to help members.
Taxi drivers have also had a strong
德士行业是曝光率最高的行业之一。无论是
好年头或坏年头，都有许多和德士行业及德
士师傅有关的新闻。
德士行业开放后，这个行业的竞争加剧，师
傅们有了更多选择。环球经济在过去十年来
起伏不定，加上一次又一次的危机，这一
连串的发展，都直接影响了每一位师傅的生
计。我们是关关难过关关过，就因为我们组
织了德士师傅协会。
自从有了德士师傅协会，我们多年来在协助
会员们度过重重难关方面，在为会员们讨取
公道方面，都群策群力。而我们的共同心
声，也在德士行业劳资政委员会上，获得妥
善处理。
随着全国德士师傅协会的成立，也
随着德士行业的壮大及新加坡经济
的进一步发展，我们的重任在于确
保会员们能和所有新加坡人一样，
共享经济增长带来的成果。
13
Mr Wee Boon Kim
President, NTA
黄文金
全国德士师傅协会会长
In 1997, I was elected as the first
President of Comfort Taxi Operators’
Association. It was formed after more
than two years of intense discussion
with various key stakeholders. I recall
then that we only had 150 members.
Over the years, with the support of
all my committed supporters, we
managed to talk to many taxi drivers
and increase membership to more
than 10,100 as at January 2010.
In the last 13 years, I witnessed many
milestones in the taxi industry and
also saw the formation of five other
taxi associations.
to support the various initiatives.
Now, we are once again at an important
milestone in the short history of taxi
associations - the formation of the
National Taxi Association (NTA) to be
an even stronger and unified voice to
champion the interest of taxi drivers.
For the past 13 years, we have done
well. We are not going to rest on our
laurels.
I am very confident with the
new NTA, together with all our
committed leaders and strong
support from our members,
Though we operated independently, we would be able to scale even
all six taxi associations always worked greater heights.
14
together informally as a united
team. Due to this strong sense of
togetherness and team spirit, we
overcame many crises such as dealing
with the Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (Sars). We also worked out
diesel rebates in the form of Medisave
accounts and helped members cope
with the economic downturn of 2009.
Each time, we were able to mobilise
our members to come out in full force
1997年，我当选为第一任康福德士师傅协会
会长。在协会成立之前，各相关机构和单位
就成立协会的问题热烈讨论了两年。记得当
时我们只有150名会员，但在富有献身精神
的领导层和其他德士师傅协会的众多支持者
多年的努力和协助之下，我们的会员人数截
至2010年1月已经超过1万零100人。
过去13年来，我目睹了许多德士行业的里程
碑及其他五家德士师傅协会的成立，进一步
为我们的会员争取福利。
虽然各家协会独立运作，但彼此步伐统一，
如同一个团队。正是这种团结精神和意识，
使我们顺利渡过了不同时期的危机，如沙斯
肆虐。我们也争取将柴油回扣填补保健储蓄
户头等以协助会员应付2009年的经济衰退。
每一次，我们都能发动会员，全力支持各项
措施。
德士师傅协会的历史虽然不长，但我们将再
次迎来另一个重要的里程碑－成立全国德士
师傅协会，以更统一强大的声音在未来的日
子里为德士师傅争取福利。过去13年来，我
们做得不错，但我们绝不自满。
我很有信心，在所有充满热忱的领
导层，以及会员们强有力的支持之
下，新成立的全国德士师傅协会将
继续攀越高峰。
15
“Memory is the mother of all wisdom.”
- Aeschylus (525 BC – 456 BC), Greek Playwright
r
u
O ry
o
t
s
i
h
There will be some among us who will
remember the days of ‘pirate taxis’’ in the
1950s and 1960s. Known as pa wong chia,
they played a role ferrying children to
school, mothers to markets and fathers to
work. We have come a long way since those
days.
的
我们
过往
早期
early
days
History records say Singapore’s very
first car arrived on our shores in 1886.
From that time, the number of cars
rose to 1,300 in 1918. The first taxi
service – where drivers picked up paying
passengers – could have formed around
that time. But, the custom then was to
haggle over the fee. Taxi meters were
unheard of.
Mr Seet Lip Phuang (right), who was born
in 1929, is one of the few surviving pirate
taxi drivers of Singapore known as pa
wong chia.
“After World War II, I tried to look for a job. I didn’t have any formal education
and it was very hard to get a factory job. There were too few factories and too
many people fighting for the jobs there. But, I learnt to drive a car. So, what else
could I do? I asked around for a loan from friends and my family and bought my
first car for about $200. It was an old Oxford Morris, a steady car with a wobbly
steering wheel. I used it to earn a living.”
18
Private cars were used as taxis. They were generally
poorly maintained and caused pollution.
Early taxi drivers from
the Hougang area in the
early 1980s.
19
-
成立
社
作
合
Forming
di
co operative
The first taxi co-operative, NTUC Comfort,
was formed in 1970 to meet the demands
of an educated population for better
taxi services. That was just after the
Modernisation Seminar in 1969 when
NTUC decided that it wished to play a role
in improving the lives of Singaporeans.
Comfort bought a fleet of taxis and
looked for people with the experience.
Its first port-of-call was the pa wong
chia drivers such as Mr Seet. Lucky ones
who were matched successfully to a car
became Singapore’s legal taxi drivers .
Mr Seet was one of them too.
First batch of taxi drivers in Singapore who were
matched to legal taxis under NTUC Comfort.
20
21
成立
协会
FORMING
Associations
Taxi drivers formed informal
brotherhoods to protect and
look out for each other. These
were later formalised into
taxi associations. Some of the
earliest known associations
were registered in the 1950s.
After the formation of NTUC
Comfort, the Comfort Taxi
Operators’ Association (CTOA)
was formed. It became known
as the first Taxi Operators’
Asscoation.
Comrade Ong Ah Heng and Comrade Seng Han Thong, who were both
from NTUC, first mooted the idea of forming a taxi association that could
speak on behalf of taxi drivers. A pro-tem committee was set up. After
two years of discussions, the Comfort Taxi Operators’ Association (CTOA)
was registered and set up in September 1997.”
Mr Wee Boon Kim, the first president of CTOA.
When Trans island Taxi Operators’ Association (TTOA) was
formed in 1997, we had a difficult time convincing drivers to
join our association. So, a group of volunteers including myself
decided to go to different kopitiams and places where taxi
drivers hang out. At first it was not easy to convince people
to join. I explained the need for a unified voice representing
drivers and also talked to them about union benefits.
Cabby John Leong from TTOA
22
23
途
旅
新
A NEW JOURNEY
After CTOA and TTOA, four other associations
were formed and jointly became known as the
Taxi Operators’ Association (TOA). It became the
voice of taxi drivers in Singapore, fighting for
their benefits and surfacing their concerns to
authorities.
Though it started as
a male-only industry,
there are now female
taxi drivers too.
1997
Comfort Taxi
Operators’
Association
(CTOA)
1998
SMRT Taxi
Operators’ Association
(STOA) - formerly known
as Trans island Taxi
Operators’ Association
(TTOA)
CityCab
Operators’ Association
(CCOA)
2004
Premier Taxi
Operators’ Association
(PTOA)
24
Smart Cab
Operator’s Association
(SCOA)
TransCab
Operators Association
(TCOA)
25
The Taxi Operators’ Association (TOA)
existed for 13 years and faced many sudden
and acute challenges. These included the
Severe Acute Respiratory (Sars) in 2003,
the global terrorist threat and the H1N1
influenza pandemic.
共度
危机
打击
沙斯
FIGHTING
s
R
A
S
Daily temperature taking
during the Sars period gave
the public confidence that
drivers were vigilant against
the virus.
28
When Singapore went through a trying
because of Sars, taxi drivers suffered a
period for two months in 2003 battling
severe loss of income. The TOA and the
the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Taxi Industry Task Force rallied taxi drivers
(Sars), taxi drivers were among the
to regain public confidence. They gave out
nation’s frontline soldiers. One of the first
Sars battle kits, comprising thermometers,
nations in the world to be infected, the
protective masks, gloves and a bottle of
Sars epidemic claimed 27 lives here. More
disinfectant. Taxi drivers also took their
than 200 others, including a taxi driver,
temperatures every morning, declaring
were infected. At the height of the crisis,
themselves fever free with the “I’m OK’
the public became wary of taking taxis.
stickers before they started their day.
With tourists shunning Singapore as well
Sars kits for the
“front;line” taxi drivers
during the height of the
crisis.
29
The TOA was able to get in touch with all taxi drivers within a day to start daily
temperature taking. The taxi drivers were also 100 per cent behind the TOA and
the nation in the fight against Sars.
When TOA leaders decided that daily
temperature taking was necessary, we were
asked to help contact other taxi drivers as soon
as possible. I remember being on the phone
all day calling cabbies in my area asking them
to report to the Ang Mo Kio taxi kiosk the next
morning. I was so happy to see that all of them
turned up.
I am sure the “I’m OK” stickers made a big
difference. It gave passengers more confidence
that it was OK to take taxis. Taxi drivers too took
the matter seriously and were responsible about
taking their temperature daily.”
Cabby Mr Lim Soon Hak, a Comfort taxi operator for over 10 years
Cabby Lim Chye Lye from STOA
Many taxi drivers spent their own money buying
gloves, antiseptic lotion and masks to be extra
careful. Nobody at that time thought about
the money that they had to spend. That cooperation among cabbies to battle Sars was
unforgettable.”
Cabby Alan Ho, from CityCab
30
31
联系
追踪
Contact
tracing
During the Sars period, the practice of
“contact tracing” had to be put in place
because of the highly contagious nature
of the Sars virus. This meant leaving
name and contact details so that when a
victim was identified, persons who had
been in contact with him could be traced.
If people can have an opportunity to win
cash prizes and also retain taxi receipts
to help us keep records, why not? With
this method, we actually turned a
tedious task of contact tracing into an
enjoyable activity.”
The TOA, working with the Taxi Industry
Taskforce, devised an ingenious scheme
called the “Hop In and Win Cash” scheme.
Mr Seng Han Thong,
TOA’s Advisor then.
This was a lucky draw for passengers who
kept their taxi receipts and sent an SMS
to a designated number to keep records.
32
TOA came up with Contact Bowl for passengers to drop off their namecards.
The idea was later adopted nationwide.
33
保障
蓄
储
未来
A coffeeshop press conference with tripartite
partners to announce the Sars package deal which
included rental rebates for drivers.
34
Save and
be Safe
A savings scheme, endorsed by Minister Mentor
Lee Kuan Yew for taxi drivers, was launched.
35
防范
主义
怖
恐
If more taxi drivers become our “eyes
and ears” in the fight against terrorism,
Singapore will be that much safer. In this
regard, I am pleased that since the mass
briefing, there has been a significant
increase in reports and information on
suspicious activities.”
Director, ISD, in a 2005 letter to TOA
After the September 11 attacks in the
eyes and ears of Singapore. As many as
US in 2001 the whole world woke up to
31,000 taxi drivers attended a briefing with
the threat of terrorism. Developments in
the Internal Security Department. Many
Singapore at that time also made it clear
taxi drivers have since been providing
that Singapore was a target of terrorists.
tips
Taxi drivers were called upon to be the
ISD brochure for taxi drivers
to be ever vigilant.
36
that
have
helped
authorities.
In 2009, the worldwide H1N1 flu pandemic
triggered a similar reaction to Sars among
commuters. The NTUC, working with TOA,
rolled
out
the “U
Care-TOA
Immediate
Relief” package worth $650,000 for taxi
drivers. This was primarily to encourage taxi
甲
对抗
感
流
型
drivers to seek medical attention as soon
as they were unwell. It played a crucial role
in assuring the public that taxis were safe.
g
n
i
l
t
t
a
B
1
N
H1
38
39
AiN
The NTUC has a word for those who
champion workers’ rights - U Fighters. The
TOA has put in place many initiatives to
make sure taxi drivers enjoy the benefits of
being members.
生活
好
美
士
优战
40
41
The late 1990s were times of rapid
changes for the taxi industry. Taxi
companies were allowed to set their own
fares to be competitive and more taxi
companies were formed. The TOA was
able to speak as one voice on behalf of
taxi drivers from six different companies.
It was also at the forefront of efforts to
smoothen the journey for taxi drivers
following oil price hikes and when new
Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) rules were
imposed.
积极
应变
We have to change and accept
new traffic rules and the ERP.
We must also keep up with
the times and change when
necessary. But we must never
change our goal of
keeping standards
of taxi services
high.”
Mr Albert Ong Hian Teck,
General-Secretary of NTA
42
43
府高
政
和
联系
的
层
link to
the top
The TOA was instrumental in establishing a tripartite platform that allowed it to raise
concerns of taxi drivers at the highest levels. These included regular dialogues with the
Transport Minister (picture below), the Traffic Police and the Land Transport Authority.
One significant outcome of these dialogues was the raising of retirement age of taxi
drivers from 70 to 73. The TOA lobbied hard and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
announced the decision to raise retirement age from 70 to 73 in 2006.
Mr Lim Chee Peng (above) was one who benefitted from the new
rule. He expressed his view in Chinese to PM Lee on how he felt
about being allowed to continue working.
The Government will grant a
Special Tax waiver for unhired
taxis to provide relief to the taxi
industry during this downturn.”
44
The Land Transport Authority in January 2009,
acknowledging that it arrived at the decision
after consultation with TOA on how the
recession was affecting taxi drivers’ income.
45
储蓄
健
保
突破
MEDISAVE
BREAKTHROUGH
The Sars period showed just how
TOA also held many events, fairs and
vulnerable taxi drivers were to market
fiestas over the years to help taxi drivers
forces. In 2003, TOA started the Taxi
relax and have a better life. During
Operators’ Saving Scheme to help cabbies
its 10th anniversary, TOA organised a
save for “rainy days”.
karaoke competition which was a roaring
success.
46
As self-employed people,
During the oil price hikes
the taxi driver is responsible
of 2004, a new scheme was
for his own medical
rolled out, ‘Pump-and-Save-
expenses. Realising this,
for Medisave’. Under this,
the TOA in 1998 secured
cabbies receive a two-cents
$67.5 million which was
rebate when they top up
meant for the Medisave
diesel at Caltex stations. The
Accounts of all taxi drivers.
rebate goes directly to their
It translated to a $750
CPF Medisave account as a
Medisave rebate yearly for
way to encourage them to
each driver for five years.
save for later years.
47
师傅
士
德
属的
家
及
福利
FOR CABBIES
AND FAMILIES
TOA went a step further and has
worked out special deals with medical
providers such as Raffles Medical and
Healthway
flu
Medical
treatment
Group.
packages
Low-cost
have
been
arranged for cabbies and their families at
special rates of between $ 23 and $ 25.
TOA’s tie-up with medical
providers is very good. It helps
both the cabbies and their
families. This is even more
significant because outpatient
consultation fee has gone up
over the years. This tie-up has
helped to stretch our dollar.”
Mr Ramasamy, from CTOA
48
49
School for
Cabbies
德士
学院
In 2003, TOA together with the NTUC and
various other government bodies set up the
Singapore Taxi Academy. This has helped
hundreds of taxi drivers pick up new skills.
Some of the special courses organised
for taxi drivers included training them
to be “tour guides” to improve their
earnings and also to be medical chaperones
to the handicapped and the elderly.
50
51
caring
In 2007, TOA collaborated with NTUC
关怀
and
connecting
As the number of taxi drivers in Singapore
grew, it was necessary to keep in touch
Income to launch Enhanced IncomeShield
with them. In September 2006, a website
for its members, a comprehensive
was set up to keep members informed.
portable medical insurance scheme. This
In early 2007, a Chinese-English TaxiCare
has ensured that taxi drivers and their
联系
publication was issued to members to
family members are adequately protected
keep them informed of their benefits.
against medical expenses.
TOA also gave out more than $500,000
annually since 2005 to help needy
members and their families. These were
given out through financial and voucher
schemes.
I want to thank TOA for
providing the Back to
School Vouchers for my
two school-going kids. It
has been very helpful and
has relieved me of some
of my financial burden.”
Madam Lim Hong Sim
52
53
record
high
录
纪
创
The TOA set a new membership record
with 10,127 members in late 2009. Of this,
479 were recruited on Taxi Day itself on 18
November 2009. The better benefits under
TOA and its effective role as the voice of
taxi drivers have been some of the reasons
why taxi drivers joined TOA.
We crossed the 10,000 membership mark with
Taxi Day. This has spurred us to give taxi drivers
even better benefits, better health and better
life.”
Mr Foo Chi Yong, President PTOA
54
The Management and Staff of
Trans-Cab Pte Ltd
would like to thank its TCOA Leaders
for their support
over the last few years
Congratulations to
National Taxi Association
on its inauguration on 26 June 2010
The Management and Staff of
SMRT Pte Ltd
would like to thank its STOA leaders
for their support
over the last few years
Congratulations to
National Taxi Association
on its inauguration on 26 June 2010
The Management and Staff of Smart Automobile Pte Ltd
would like to thank SCOA leaders for their support
over the last few years
Congratulations to
National Taxi Association
on its Inauguration on 26 June 2010
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