The Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew has opened up the Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence (TDVL) to ex-convicts, depending on the severity of their crime.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, he mentioned that the Land Transport Authority does take into account the type of offences that may affect a potential taxi driver's suitability in his role, as they need to uphold the public safety and confidence in taxi services in Singapore.
Those who've committed extremely serious offences including rape and murder are completely debarred from obtaining a TVDL for life. Ex-convicts with less serious offences such as housebreaking or theft will be ineligible for three to five years, and will be able to apply after the period of debarment.
Other offences however, such as being a member of an unlawful assembly, does not result in debarment from acquiring a TVDL. "This calibrated approach is needed to maintain public confidence in the safety of our taxi services, especially as it is common for taxi passengers to travel alone and sometimes late in the night," insisted Lui. "At the same time, it provides ex-offenders with a second chance."
Photo: Kevin Utting via Flickr
The Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew has opened up the Taxi Driver's Vocational Licence (TDVL) to ex-convicts, depending on the severity of their crime.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, he mentioned that the Land Transport Authority does take into account the type of offences that may affect a potential taxi driver's suitability in his role, as they need to uphold the public safety and confidence in taxi services in Singapore.
Those who've committed extremely serious offences including rape and murder are completely debarred from obtaining a TVDL for life. Ex-convicts with less serious offences such as housebreaking or theft will be ineligible for three to five years, and will be able to apply after the period of debarment.
Other offences however, such as being a member of an unlawful assembly, does not result in debarment from acquiring a TVDL. "This calibrated approach is needed to maintain public confidence in the safety of our taxi services, especially as it is common for taxi passengers to travel alone and sometimes late in the night," insisted Lui. "At the same time, it provides ex-offenders with a second chance."
Photo: Kevin Utting via Flickr