Same child-seat rule must apply to taxis too

There is now discontent over private-hire cars not being permitted to carry passengers under 1.35 metres tall without a booster seat or child restraint (“What next for ride-sharing services and the taxi industry?”; Feb 8).

Taxis are exempt from this law, as they are deemed to be public service vehicles. This makes no sense and is unfair to consumers.

The vehicles taxi companies use are usually variants of consumer models and not immune to accidents. Thus, there is no justification for the exemption.

And if taxis are public service vehicles, why is it that cabbies can choose where to drive to and disappear at certain times?

One does not see the police, a public service institution, closing operations at certain times or choosing whom to serve.

If taxi companies are thinking of using the rule book in their favour to get customers, I hope the Government realises that impeding the efficiency of private-hire cars, such as Uber and Grab, goes against the Smart Nation initiatives.

And transport is one of the Smart Nation domains. So, taxi companies should study the workings of private-hire cars and emulate the strong points instead of cowering behind the law.

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Same child-seat rule must apply to taxis too