NTA’s 8 recommendations for private-hire vehicle services
All drivers and service providers who provide point-to-point transfer services serving the same consumer market should be similarly qualified and certified.
Private-hire vehicles and drivers serving the same consumer market should adopt similar identification protocols for consumers’ safety and security.
Clear accountability needed with regard to unfortunate incidents, disputes and claims.
Review of standards and cost structures for taxis should level competition between taxis and private hires.
Charges and fees of point-to-point transfers which serve the same consumer market should be reviewed.
The LTA should recognise and embrace the effectiveness of new tools like third-party booking apps to determine service and availability standards, without the need for statutory requirements that have become prescriptive, distorting and costly.
The LTA should be consistent in regulating and monitoring any point-to-point transfer service providers, such as private-hire vehicle services and drivers serving the same consumer market.
The Government and taxi operators must take bold steps in leveraging new technologies and practices to improve the ride experience of their passengers and efficiency in matching taxi drivers.
