Limousine taxi drivers protest at Changi Airport over alleged preferential treatment for minibuses

More than 50 limousine taxi drivers staged a protest at Changi Airport on 13 February 2025, alleging unfair treatment after Woodlands Transport Service took over the Ground Transport Concierge (GTC) operations.

The drivers claim that the company prioritised its own minibuses for passengers, significantly reducing their income.

According to Singapore’s Shin Min Daily News, the drivers reported that, since 1 February, they had been struggling to get passengers at the airport.

Previously, six- and seven-seater limousine taxis from companies such as ComfortDelGro and Prime Taxi could queue outside the arrival hall, while others waited in a designated area.

However, with Woodlands Transport Service in charge, drivers claim minibuses are given priority over limousine taxis.

Ngu, a 44-year-old limousine taxi driver, stated that the changes have led to a drastic drop in earnings.

“Previously, we could make five to six trips a day. Since the minibuses arrived, we barely get one or two trips,” he said.

Drivers attempted multiple times to negotiate with the relevant parties but failed to receive a satisfactory response. Frustrated with the lack of transparency, they decided to take action.

Shin Min reported that on the morning of 13 February, over 100 drivers staged a strike by refusing to pick up passengers at Changi Airport.

By 4 pm, more than 50 of them gathered at the waiting area, demanding a resolution.

Morgan, a 73-year-old driver appointed as a representative, echoed the concerns of his fellow drivers, stating that his income had been halved due to the reduced number of passengers.

“We wait for hours in the queue, but there are no passengers for us. We have raised our concerns, but there has been no response. We only want transparency,” he said.

According to Shin Min, representatives from the taxi companies and Woodlands Transport Service arrived at the scene for discussions.

Some drivers reportedly surrounded them, voicing their frustrations. The situation became tense, with some drivers gesturing angrily as heated exchanges took place.

Changi Airport Group responds, suspends minibus service amid dispute

Changi Airport Group (CAG) later stated that the issue was a misunderstanding and confirmed that the minibus service has been temporarily suspended.

CAG’s Senior Vice President, Lim Tiong Huat, explained in response to media queries that the GTC had planned to introduce a minibus service to provide more transport options, particularly for large passenger groups of more than six people.

“Unfortunately, during the trial period, this new service caused a misunderstanding between the limousine taxi drivers and the GTC. "

"We are currently in discussions with the relevant parties to resolve the issue. In the meantime, the minibus service will be temporarily suspended,” he said.