Coronavirus: Singapore issues taxi health guidance

The coronavirus outbreak has prompted Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) to issue guidance safeguarding taxi and private hire car drivers and their passengers.
Mobility as a Service / March 2, 2020
By Ben Spencer
Singapore is issuing masks to protect taxi drivers and their passengers (© Mwphoto55 | Dreamstime.com)
Singapore is issuing masks to protect taxi drivers and their passengers (© Mwphoto55 | Dreamstime.com)

The LTA is advising drivers to wind down the windows of their vehicles when ferrying passengers with flu-like symptoms – and after every completed trip to improve ventilation. 

They are also urging drivers to take their own temperature twice a day and see a doctor if they are feeling unwell.

Taxi operators are now setting up temperature screening stations. Taxi drivers whose temperature falls within the acceptable range will receive a sticker for the day to indicate they have been checked. 

Private hire operators will require drivers to submit their temperature readings via a mobile app. The LTA, National Taxi Association and National Private Hire Vehicles Association will set up island-wide temperature taking stations.

The LTA is also recommending that passengers wear a mask before taking a taxi or private hire ride. Singapore’s government is making 300,000 surgical masks available for drivers to offer passengers who need to reach a medical appointment but do not have their own mask.

The outbreak of coronavirus has also led to the postponement of the 2020 Connected Auto & Smart Transport Expo which was due to go ahead in China this June - as well as the World Tunnel Congress in Malaysia.

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