Sleeping on the job

New Paper
16 April 2009


Caught sleeping on the job

Traffic warden sacked

THE traffic warden parked his motorcycle, took off his white uniform shirt and hung it on the bike's handlebars.

He then lay on the ground near the bike and took a nap.

But someone saw the incident at a Jurong carpark, snapped pictures and posted them on Stomp on 16 Mar.



The warden was sacked by his employer, Certis Cisco.

A spokesman was quoted on Stomp as saying: 'Unacceptable behaviour such as sleeping on the job is a serious misconduct and carries a penalty of termination.

'At Certis Cisco, all our employees are committed to uphold high standards of professionalism, service excellence as well as exhibit other equally important core values such as care and integrity.

'We do not tolerate any behaviour that runs counter to these values.'


Suntec security guard not 'feeling well'

HER arms were folded and her head was bowed. A fan stood nearby, blowing at her. The security guard at Suntec City was fast asleep.

Again, someone took pictures and sent it to Stomp.



It happened on 15 Mar when the IT show was on at Suntec City.

In a reply to Stomp, a spokesman for Suntec City Management said its investigation revealed that the contracted security guard had not been feeling well, but she failed to inform the management and remained at her assigned duty post.

'Appropriate action has been taken,' said the spokesman, without elaborating.

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New Paper
16 April 2009

Should NEL officer be punished for sitting?

Picture of him in priority seat posted online leads to disciplinary action



AS OTHER passengers stood around him, the train officer plonked himself on an empty priority seat on the North-East Line (NEL) train.

His action was caught on camera by a commuter who sent it to Stomp, The Straits Times' interactive website.

The commuter felt the officer, dressed in a lime-green uniform shirt, should have given up his seat to other standing passengers.

His employer thought so too. SBS Transit, which operates the NEL, said it has taken disciplinary action against the officer.

But it would not reveal the exact form of action it took.

The incident took place on 29 Mar at around 10.30pm. Ms Tammy Tan, SBS Transit's vice-president of corporate communications, said the man was a customer service officer. He works on board the trains to help passengers in need and to respond to technical difficulties.

Explaining the need to discipline him, Ms Tan added: 'As a company guideline, staff who are on duty are expected to give up their seats to passengers as part of our customer service standards.

'In situations where they fail to do so, disciplinary action will be taken.'

The officer was sitting on a priority seat, which is allocated for needy passengers such as the elderly, the disabled and pregnant women.

These seats are located next to train doors with signs above the seats to indicate that they are for needy passengers.

Ms Tan said if the train had been empty, it was okay for the officer to sit down as long as he performed his duty.

But most of the 18 people whom The New Paper spoke to felt the officer did not deserve to be punished.

When we showed them the picture, many pointed out that all the passengers standing nearby were able-bodied young adults.

Mr Lee Ting Wei, 19, a full-time NSman, said: 'Perhaps SBS Transit should have just told him off.

'Any punishment more than that would have been too harsh because there were no pregnant women, elderly or disabled passengers around at that time.'

Sympathetic

Madam Heng Sue San, 37, a housewife, agreed. 'If there is no one in need of the seat, I wouldn't make a fuss,' she said.

'But if the seat is intended for the elderly and there is someone like that around, I would expect him to give up the seat.'

Mr S W Hor, 55, a lecturer, was sympathetic towards the officer. 'It doesn't matter even if he is an (NEL) employee. He could have been tired and should be allowed to take a seat,' he said.

Mr Hor also wondered if the matter had been blown out of proportion because the picture was posted on the Internet.

But some people felt that the officer deserved to be disciplined.

Retiree A L Tan, 78, said: 'Since he works for the (train operator), he should have known better than to not let other passengers have the seat.'

Housewife Yeo Ah Sim, 67, felt the officer should have set a good example. She said that many young people don't give up their seats, but as a NEL employee, he should have shown more courtesy.

The other train operator, SMRT, has a similar code of conduct for its staff.

A spokesman said: 'We encourage staff to be friendly and helpful to passengers. This would include behaving in a courteous and gracious manner like giving way to alighting passengers and giving up their seats to needy passengers.

'Staff in uniform are also expected to maintain a good corporate image by dressing and behaving appropriately at all times.'

However, SMRT would not comment on the form of disciplinary action taken, saying that it would be on a case-by-case basis.

Geraldine Yeo, newsroom intern

Pitiful fines for PUBLIC transport operators

New Paper
10 April 2009

Profit of bus operator: $40.6 million
Fine for poor service: $4,500

No need for heavy fine, says expects

PUBLIC transport operators make millions of dollars every year, but when their service standards drop, they get slapped with what appears to be pitiful fines.

It's no more than a slap on their wrists, some commuters complained.

Earlier this week, bus operator SMRT Buses was fined $100 by the Public Transport Council (PTC) for overcrowding on service 925.

The other operator, SBS Transit, was fined $4,500 because some of its buses were overcrowded while others did not arrive frequently enough.

This was the third time both operators had been fined by the PTC for not meeting service standards.

But they received lighter fines this time after improving their performances.

On paper, the fines seem insignificant when one takes into account the profitability of these two public-listed companies.

SBS Transit's net profit was $40.6 million for the financial year ending 2008. For SMRT Buses, it was $1.5 million for the same period.

Industry-watchers, though, said that the fines are not meant to be hard-hitting.

Dr Paul Barter, an urban transport policy expert from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, agreed that these fines are inconsequential compared to the earnings of the operators.

But introducing punitive fines may worsen the situation, he said.

'Huge fines make it worse. These operators may not have enough money to employ more bus drivers or upgrade their infrastructure,' he added.

As a result, their service standards could get worse next year.

Dr Barter said: 'In this case, no one wins. Huge fines are not the right way because we want a viable industry and we want them (the operators) to do well.'

'Symbolic signal'

The fines are symbolic and the intention is not to drive the operators into the red but act as a signal for them to improve.

He said: 'This is a public punishment. Fining them is bad publicity (for the operators).

'There's a hidden message that it's not the punishment that hurts. The fine puts pressure on these operators to do well and to keep their franchise.'

In this case, the reputation of the company matters more than the fine.

'The operators need to be seen to be doing the right thing. But if they're not doing well enough, there's always the threat to yank the licence from them in the long run,' he added.

The current fines are the result of a review that took place from 1 Jun to 30 Nov last year. Reviews are done every six months.

SBS and SMRT were fined $9,300 and $1,000 respectively in the previous PTC review.

Dr Michael Li, a transport economist from Nanyang Technological University's business school, said that the fines serve as wake-up calls to the operators.

Though the fine may be as low as $100, it is still bad press for these operators.

He said: 'We shouldn't overreact to the fine, it shows that PTC is keeping a close eye on these operators. If we look at the number of trips the operators make, the number of breakdowns or overcrowding is small.

'It's a lapse in service and I am sure the operators don't want the fine, or the bad publicity.'

On the other hand, the fines imposed on SMRT and SBS Transit for lapses in their train services are more severe.

If they fail to meet the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) time intervals, they can be fined between $10,000 and $1 million.

The operators are required to consistently meet the minimum requirements of a set of Operating Performance Standards (OPS) set by LTA.

This means that operators have to run trains at the smallest possible intervals that the system will allow for during peak hours.

For example, between 7.45am and 8.30am, the wait should be between two and three minutes.

During the lunch-hour peak, commuters at Raffles Place should see a train pull up every three to four minutes.

LTA fined SMRT $387,176 over a seven-hour disruption to train service along the East-West line in January last year.

The fine - Singapore's largest ever for a rail-related incident - was imposed to reflect the seriousness of the incident, LTA said then.

Dr Li said that the fines may be heftier on rail operators for good reasons.

For starters, the train operation is almost predictable in terms of scheduling compared to buses.

He added: 'When one bus breaks down, you still can call for a back-up bus. But for trains, spare ones may not do because the track is already dedicated to that section.

'And the impact of a train delay or breakdown on commuters is many more times that of a bus. That's why the fines are higher.'

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10 April 2009

Fine is too light, say commuters

A MERE slap on the wrist.

That's what Mr Colin Lim, 39, thinks of the fines meted out to the bus operators.

The cafe owner told The New Paper: 'If a commuter does not pay the bus fare, he would be fined $20.

'But one of the operators is fined only $100 for overcrowding on buses. It doesn't seem fair.'

The Public Transport Council (PTC) announced last year that bus and train fare cheats would have to pay a $20 penalty from 1 Jul last year.

Mr Lim also wrote to The Straits Times online forum yesterday to give his views on the issue.

He said: 'Fines amounting to merely $4,500 and $100 are pocket change to the bus companies and may send the wrong message to them.'

Mr Lim said he was no stranger to overcrowded buses.

About a month ago, he was waiting for bus service 980 along Upper Thomson Road at about5pm.

He said he waited about half an hour for the bus.

And when the bus finally came, it was so crowded that he was forced to stand on the steps at the front entrance.

Packed like sardines

On several occasions, he said that even though the buses were packed like sardines, he saw uniformed employees from the bus companies at Rochor Road in Little India 'pushing' as many commuters as they could on the buses.

Some netizens also criticised the fines handed out to the bus operators.

Said David: 'I doubt the deterrent measures carried out by PTC is effective enough. It's equal to not taking any action at all. So why go through the hassle simply for show?'

But some were more sympathetic towards the bus operators. Another netizen, Damien, said: 'To be fair, it is almost impossible to prevent overcrowding of (buses) during peak hours.

'If the PTC fines the operators for every instance of overcrowding, it would accumulate into a significant amount that will greatly affect the company's revenue and profits, which can be spent instead on more efficient public transport methods.'

Joanna Hor Peixin, newsroom intern

I want a Xootr!

I think I have found my Christmas present! I want a Xootr!

I was reading Mr Brown and he was blogging about his toy du jour, the Xootr. And well, it made me craved for one.

The Xootr, is actually an adult size kick scooter. It has been also called the "Rolls Royce" of scooter.

I have always been a fan of the kick scooter. I even owned a kiddy scooter, which I bought for less than $20 come years back. I enjoyed the speed on wheels. But that scooter was too damned small and flimsy. What do you expect for something less than $20?

Even one foot on the base/deck was difficult to get on. And as it was more kiddy size, the handle was smaller and well, lower. I had to hunch a bit to ride it.

I always wondered why they never make kick scooter for adults. And now they have. And it's called the Xootr. And the thing is that it weighs only about 4.5kg. Not too heavy. It's even foldable! And both feet can rest on the base/deck!

It costs around $299 for a basic model, to $325 for one with fencer kit, to $386 for one with fender and carry bag. And since they have a dealer here, delivery is FREE!

Not too expensive! I think it's rather affordable and reasonably priced!

Eh....by the way, what's a fender? What's the purpose of a fender? And what's the difference with having a fender and without one? I am rather new to this scooter thingy,

Hmm....now that I have found my Christmas present, the next thing is to pester SO to get it for me.

Only one number for a cab!!

Great idea! Just one number to remember when calling for cabs!

But 10 seconds before the call is routed to another cab company? What a joke!

Those who have called for cabs know that we definitely need more than 45 seconds to even get through.

Obviously such policies are set by the very people who never call for cabs! Hahaha!

Oh yeah....Dun forget calling for a cab is NOT FREE! There is a booking fee, surcharges, different starting price etc. And this varies from taxi company to company.

Not all taxi companies are created equal!

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The Straits Times
17 July 2008

Need a taxi? Just call 6-DIAL-CAB

ONE telephone number is all you need to remember if you need to call a taxi from next week.

Call 6-3425-222 or tap out the alphabetical prompter 6-DIAL-CAB.

The initiative is part of a transport masterplan announced early this year to make commuting a lot easier. It arose from feedback from cab customers - especially tourists - who cannot remember the numbers for the half a dozen taxi firms here.

It is, however, not a super dispatch system that can scour Singapore's taxi population of 24,000 to locate an empty one nearest to you. By using the common number, commuters are channelled to all the taxi firms' call centres, one at a time.

If the first cab operator's call centre does not take your call in 10 seconds, the system diverts you to the second one, and then the third. If the third call is unsuccessful, you will be asked to try again. If you do, the system will recognise it is your second attempt and connect you to the next three call centres.

Asked if the new common number system would be replaced by a 'smarter' system in future, the Land Transport Authority said no. 'The common taxi booking number system is a permanent facility to make it easier for taxi commuters to book a taxi,' a spokesman said.

The LTA roped in SingTel to develop the system, for $90,000.

Ms Tammy Tan, spokesman for ComfortDelGro, whose fleet makes up 60 per cent of the cab population, noted that Singaporeans were quite familiar with the firm's taxi booking number. 'There is, however, one group of commuters who may be confused with the different taxi booking numbers and they are the tourists. For them, the common booking number will be of help.'

Commuters who are familiar with the numbers of the various operators can continue calling them directly.

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The Straits Times
16 July 2008

Booking a taxi? Just call one common number from July 21

BOOKING a cab will be a breeze from next Monday. Taxi commuters will just have to call one common number - 6342 5222 - or remember 6-DIAL CAB.

The move, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Tuesday, is to make it easier and more convenient for taxi commuters, especially tourists. The common taxi booking number will complement the taxi companies' call booking systems, which will continue to be in use.

A commuter who makes a call to the common number will have access to up to three taxi companies' call centres.

The call will first be routed to one selected taxi company's call centre. If the lines there are busy, the call will automatically be re-routed to another taxi company's call centre. The call will be terminated only after three attempts to route the call is unsuccessful.

The new initiative was included in the Land Transport Master Plan announced early this year.

'It provides commuters with an additional avenue to book a cab. With the common number, commuters will be able to book a taxi from any of the taxi companies by calling 6-DIAL CAB,' said a statement from LTA.

Ms Tammy Tan, ComfortDelGro Corporation Group Corporate Communications Officer said: 'Many Singaporeans are already familiar with ComfortDelGro's taxi booking number, 6552-1111. 'There is however one group of commuters who may be confused with the different taxi booking numbers and they are the tourists. For them, the common booking number will be of help.'

Added Mr Lo Chee Wen, Vice President of SMRT Taxis: 'The new common call booking number for taxis is an added way in which we can serve commuters, on top of SMRT's call booking number 6555 8888. We welcome it and are happy that commuters now have another convenient manner to reach us when they are in need of a taxi.'

Mr Lim Chong Boo, Managing Director of Premier Taxis said the move would help visitors to Singapore who may be unfamiliar with how to get a taxi.

Welcoming the additional option, Chief Executive of SMART Automobile Pte Ltd, Mr Johnny Harjantho said its drivers will stand to gain from an increase in phone bookings to the company.

Commenting on the move, Mr Seng Han Thong, adviser to the six Taxi Operators' Associations, said LTA had consulted the associations on the feasibility of a common booking number and they supported it because it would bring more bookings.

He added: 'Singaporeans will also benefit from it as they only need to remember one telephone number to call and as the chances of them getting a taxi in a shorter time will be higher as the system will forward their booking requests to the next available taxi company. These would translate to more call bookings and thus, higher earnings for our taxi drivers.'

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Today
17 July 2008

One line, a few kinks?

COMMUTERS, who will find themselves paying 30 cents more from today on ComfortDelGro cabs, could also encounter new hassles in calling for a cab, when a common booking number meant to increase convenience kicks in.

At least three other taxi operators will also roll out the 30-cent fuel surcharge over the next two weeks: Premier Taxis from next Thursday, Trans-Cab from July 28 and Smart Taxis from Aug 1.

This could prove a minor drawback come Monday, when commuters will be able to access multiple taxi companies’ call centres with a single phone call to: 6-DIAL-CAB (6342 5222).

It will make booking a cab more convenient, especially for tourists unfamiliar with the six operators’ hotline numbers, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Each operator’s unique booking hotline will remain in use.

The new service works this way: If a call to Company A goes unattended for more than 10 seconds, it will be routed to Company B, then Company C. If none of the three attend to the call, the system will inform the caller that all lines are busy.

If the commuter tries again, the call will be routed to the other three cab companies. The hotline also allows callers to cancel their bookings.

But local commuters point to reasons why they would hesitate to jump on board the scheme immediately.

For example, with only some companies imposing the fuel surcharge for now – and not all at the same time – many would prefer to book with a surcharge-free operator.

And is the 10-second time limit before a call is re-routed too short? After all, at peak hours, it is not uncommon for one to be put on call-waiting for several minutes before the call is attended to.

Advertising manager Adeline Lu, 26, said: “It will be 30 seconds for three companies. I have a feeling I might need to dial and dial again.” She plans to stick with a single company’s hotline number during the busy period.

Premier Taxis’ managing director Lim Chong Boo said the time-limit was something the authorities and operators had discussed; callers also would not want to be kept on the line too long. “We won’t know the exact situation until it’s done and we get feedback,” he said.

Another issue: Calls are allocated to companies based on their market share of call bookings in the last three months – meaning calls will likely be routed first to the one with the lion’s share. Would this put smaller players at a disadvantage?

Trans-Cab’s general manager Jasmine Tan said it would mean “proportionate allocation”. “If we only have a fleet of 2,000 cabs, even if you give us more bookings, we cannot fulfill,” she said.

Mr Lim said in theory, the scheme sounds fair “but we won’t know until it’s been enforced”. If the company finds its market share of call bookings affected, it will step up promotion of its own hotline number.

Local hotels, however, agreed tourists would benefit. While Royal Plaza on Scotts hands all guests a card with taxi numbers listed, the common number would be handy when they are in a rush or “do not want to wait in a queue”, said director of rooms Alphonso Conceicao.