Sequence of Events Leading To Recent Meeting of Premium Cab Drivers at Changi Airport and Regulation of Ground Transport Concierge Operations at Changi Airport
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns queries from Mr Leong Mun Wai and Mr Xie Yao Quan regarding the Land Transport Authority’s role in regulating Changi Airport’s Ground Transport Concierge (GTC) and the events surrounding a February 2025 meeting of premium taxi drivers. Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat clarified that the GTC is a commercial arrangement between Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Woodlands Transport Service (WTS), with no regulatory involvement from transport authorities. The dispute was triggered when a WTS manager allowed minibuses to use taxi staging areas without CAG’s approval, prompting a protest by approximately 50 large-taxi drivers on 13 February 2025. Following mediation involving the National Taxi Association, CAG suspended the minibus service, removed the responsible manager, and implemented stricter oversight of ground transport operations. Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat concluded that the incident underscores the value of tripartism in resolving conflicts through reconciliation rather than confrontation to maintain stable airport transport services.
Transcript
14 Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether LTA plays a role in regulating the Ground Transport Concierge (GTC) operations at the Changi Airport, in particular, in ensuring that there is a level playing field for taxi drivers in the provision of transportation services at Changi Airport; and (b) if so, what is being done by LTA to investigate the allegations made by the taxi drivers and promote fair practices in the provision of transportation services at Changi Airport.
15 Mr Xie Yao Quan asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the detailed sequence of events leading up to the meeting of drivers of premium cabs at Changi Airport on 13 February 2025; and (b) what lessons can be drawn to prevent a similar situation from arising in future.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Changi Airport Group (CAG) has engaged Woodlands Transport Service (WTS) since 2008 to manage Changi Airport's Ground Transport Concierge (GTC). The GTC provides passenger booking and driver coordination services for a range of transport options, including six- to seven-seater large-taxis and limousine taxis. This is a commercial arrangement between CAG and WTS. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Land Transport Authority are not involved in the GTC operations.
On 1 February 2025, CAG and WTS introduced an eight-seater minibus service, operated by WTS, in response to growing demand by passengers for more transport options using larger vehicles. Unfortunately, a WTS ground manager had allowed WTS minibuses to park in front of the GTC counter, which was meant to be the staging area for the large-taxis. This led to perceptions among some of the drivers of large-taxis that WTS was according preferential treatment to its own minibus service. The arrangement was not approved by CAG.
On 13 February 2025, about 50 drivers of large-taxis at GTC met with WTS to express their unhappiness with the minibus service. The National Taxi Association (NTA) alerted CAG to the meeting and both NTA and CAG representatives were present on the ground to engage the drivers. After hearing the drivers' concerns, CAG immediately suspended the minibus service. Thanks to the support from the NTA and driver association leaders, who had stepped in to manage the situation, there was no disruption to the taxi services at Changi Airport.
Going forward, CAG has strengthened its oversight of WTS operations at GTC. WTS has also removed the ground manager from his role. CAG will work closely with tripartite partners, including the NTA and taxi drivers, to engage them directly and regularly on any changes at GTC, to secure their support prior to implementation.
This incident shows the importance of tripartism. While there may be disagreements and disputes between stakeholders from time to time, our close tripartite relationship allows these to be resolved via mediation and reconciliation, rather than through conflict and confrontation.