Union Hopes New LTA Chief Will Look Into Claims

The Transport Workers Union has welcomed the appointment of the new Land Transport Authority chief executive officer, Samuel Simpson. Mr Simpson had joined LTA on January 2 this year bringing with him more than 32 years of extensive experience in the transport industry.

Union general secretary Kamlesh Kumar said the union had asked the CEO to relook at the e-Tcketing law and particularly how it was enforced by the LTA officers.

He said the law and enforcement needed to be harmonised in such a way that it became a win-win for all stakeholders.

Mr Kumar claimed that passengers boarded the bus with inappropriate cards, insufficient balances, etc.

“Some passengers do not hold onto their tickets during the duration of their travel,” he said.

“Some refuse to purchase disposable cards. Some do not carry correct change to buy disposal cards thus forcing the driver to look for the change because operators do not give a cash float to the drivers.

“For all of these issues, LTA officers target drivers who are handed traffic infringement notices carrying hefty fines.”

Mr Kumar said drivers with meagre income faced great difficulty in paying these fines thus forcing them to quit driving buses. “The bus industry has always faced shortage of drivers. I call upon LTA to relook at how they enforce the e-Ticketing laws,” he said.

“Drivers needs to be given the respect they deserve. They are important to the business and members of the general public they carry.”