SINGAPORE: The National Taxi Association regrets the premature action taken by some taxi operators who have recently informed their drivers that their hiring agreement could cease if they are unable to meet the Taxi Availability standards.

Advisor to the Association Ang Hin Kee said drivers have been working hard to meet the mileage requirements since the standards were introduced over the last four months.

He said operators should value every driver and not simply pass the blame on drivers who are unable to meet the standards.

The Association has asked the operators and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to develop reasonable incentive schemes to motivate drivers as well as assistance programmes such as helping drivers find relief drivers.

It called on the LTA to play a more proactive role to ensure that taxi drivers are fairly treated as they work to meet the standards.

It also urged operators to instead work alongside drivers so that together, the target can be met.

Since January, cab companies have had to meet new standards for taxi availability.

These include requiring 70 per cent of all taxis - per cab company - to reach a minimum daily mileage of 250 kilometres.

They must also ensure that 70 per cent of the fleet is on the road during the morning and evening peak periods.