Shanmugam: No offence committed by 50 cabbies who gathered at Changi Airport over minibus concerns

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) have assessed that no offence was committed by the group of about 50 premium cab drivers who gathered at Changi Airport on Feb. 13, to complain about what they perceived to be unfair work practices.

According to Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, the police established that the meeting was a preplanned dialogue to discuss the drivers’ concerns over the introduction of minibus services at Changi Airport.

The minibus services are operated by Woodlands Transport Service (WTS).

There was no strike or protest involved, and no law-and-order issues arose during the meeting, he said in a written response to a parliamentary question about whether there's any police investigation into the incident.

Woodlands Transport Service manager removed from his role

In a separate written reply, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said a ground manager from WTS has been removed from his role following the incident.

According to Chee, Changi Airport Group (CAG) has engaged WTS since 2008 to manage the airport's ground transport concierge.

The concierge provides passenger booking and driver coordination services for a range of transport options, including six- to seven-seater large-taxis and limousine taxis.

On Feb. 1, 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," Chee said.

This led to a perception 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, he added.

On Feb. 13, about 50 drivers of large-taxis at the concierge met with WTS to express their unhappiness with the minibus service.

Minibus service suspended after the meeting

Chee said 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.

Following the meeting, CAG immediately suspended the minibus service.

There was no disruption to the taxi services at Changi Airport, the transport minister highlighted.

In addition, CAG has strengthened its oversight of WTS operations at the concierge.

CAG will also continue to work closely with tripartite partners, including the NTA and taxi drivers, to engage them "directly and regularly" on any changes at the concierge, to secure their support prior to implementation, Chee added.

Top screenshot via Shin Min Daily News