https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/p...s-changi-airport-committed-no-offence-minibus
singapore
Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam described the Feb 13 gathering as a “pre-planned dialogue” to discuss concerns.
PHOTO: Shin Min Daily News
PUBLISHED ON March 05, 2025 8:48 AMByKok Yufeng
SINGAPORE– The police’s assessment of a gathering of unhappy premium taxi drivers at Changi Airport on Feb 13 found that there was “no offence disclosed”, said Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam on March 4.
Meanwhile, a ground manager from private transport operator Woodlands Transport Service whose actions led to some cabbies’ perception of unfair treatment has been removed from his role, said Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat.
Describing the Feb 13 gathering as a “pre-planned dialogue” to discuss concerns over a new minibus service at the airport, Mr Shanmugam said police inquiries found that there was no strike or protest involved.
In a written parliamentary reply to Mr Xie Yao Quan (Jurong GRC), who asked if the police were probing the incident, Mr Shanmugam said no law-and-order issues arose from the meeting and the police will not be investigating further.
In a separate written reply to Mr Xie and Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai, Mr Chee shed more light on what led to the events of Feb 13. The minister said airport operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) has been engaging Woodlands Transport to manage Changi Airport’s ground transport concierge service since 2008.
This service allows travellers to book a range of transport options, including six- to seven-seater taxis and limousine cabs.
As this is a commercial arrangement between the two firms, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Land Transport Authority are not involved in the operations, Mr Chee said.
On Feb 1, CAG and Woodlands Transport introduced a new eight-seater minibus service, operated by Woodlands Transport, in response to growing demand for larger vehicles.
However, a Woodlands Transport ground manager allowed the new minibuses to park in front of the ground transport concierge counter, which is meant to be the assembly point for the premium taxis and maxi-cabs, Mr Chee said.
This led to perceptions that Woodlands Transport was giving preferential treatment to its own minibus service. CAG did not approve this arrangement, the minister added.
singapore
'Pre-planned dialogue': Gathering by cabbies at Changi Airport committed no offence, minibus service's manager removed
Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam described the Feb 13 gathering as a “pre-planned dialogue” to discuss concerns.
PHOTO: Shin Min Daily News
PUBLISHED ON March 05, 2025 8:48 AMByKok Yufeng
SINGAPORE– The police’s assessment of a gathering of unhappy premium taxi drivers at Changi Airport on Feb 13 found that there was “no offence disclosed”, said Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam on March 4.
Meanwhile, a ground manager from private transport operator Woodlands Transport Service whose actions led to some cabbies’ perception of unfair treatment has been removed from his role, said Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat.
Describing the Feb 13 gathering as a “pre-planned dialogue” to discuss concerns over a new minibus service at the airport, Mr Shanmugam said police inquiries found that there was no strike or protest involved.
In a written parliamentary reply to Mr Xie Yao Quan (Jurong GRC), who asked if the police were probing the incident, Mr Shanmugam said no law-and-order issues arose from the meeting and the police will not be investigating further.
In a separate written reply to Mr Xie and Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai, Mr Chee shed more light on what led to the events of Feb 13. The minister said airport operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) has been engaging Woodlands Transport to manage Changi Airport’s ground transport concierge service since 2008.
This service allows travellers to book a range of transport options, including six- to seven-seater taxis and limousine cabs.
As this is a commercial arrangement between the two firms, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Land Transport Authority are not involved in the operations, Mr Chee said.
On Feb 1, CAG and Woodlands Transport introduced a new eight-seater minibus service, operated by Woodlands Transport, in response to growing demand for larger vehicles.
However, a Woodlands Transport ground manager allowed the new minibuses to park in front of the ground transport concierge counter, which is meant to be the assembly point for the premium taxis and maxi-cabs, Mr Chee said.
This led to perceptions that Woodlands Transport was giving preferential treatment to its own minibus service. CAG did not approve this arrangement, the minister added.
