I REFER to Monday's letter by Mr Bryan Tan, "Don't use public funds to up taxi ridership". He states that "promoting taxi ridership goes against the pro-environment campaign".

While mass public transport is comparatively less pollutive, it would be simplistic to say that taxis are not pro-environment. It may also appear that taxis "form a significant portion of traffic volume" when they converge on popular places to pick up passengers.

However, statistics on the Land Transport Authority's website indicate otherwise. The number of taxis in 2007 was about 25,000. In comparison, the number of private cars was 450,000.

A good public transport system caters to the needs of every commuter. The taxi industry forms an important part of the system.

Buses and trains do not run for 24 hours nor do they ply every road. For many reasons and in different circumstances, it may not be possible for individuals to take the bus or train.

Taxis fill the gaps for Singaporeans who would otherwise have decided it was necessary to buy a car and add to daily traffic congestion.

Hiring taxis to get around can be viewed in the same way as public car-sharing or car-pooling. Taxis do provide a public service.

Therefore, arguments against funding increasing taxi usage should not write off the taxi as bad for the environment or a means of transport only for the better-off.

Esther Tan May Lynn (Ms)
Projects Manager
Singapore Environment Council

Boosting ridership a right move

MR POH SOON LEONG: "Looking at the big picture, I applaud the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on its plan to provide $1 million to boost taxi ridership.

"It is the right move. The reason is simple - the LTA collects road tax and diesel tax from taxis, apart from Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) rates. When times are bad and the taxi industry is facing hardship, it is only right that LTA passes back the funds to help it.

"It is not in our interest to see the collapse of the taxi industry. If this happens, other industries, such as services and tourism, will suffer too."

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