ComfortDelGro's Hyundai Sonata taxis reportedly have no airbags

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THE taxi driver who died in the Ferrari crash had no airbags installed in his taxi.

Following the incident, some netizens have been wondering whether airbags could have saved his life.

The New Paper found out that most taxi companies here have taxis without airbags.

Prime Taxi, which has a fleet of 700, is the exception - all its taxis have airbags.

And it will introduce a new Toyota Prius model which will be fitted with six airbags for front passengers and drivers by the end of this month.

Its general manager, Mr Eric Ang, feels that continuous upgrades are necessary to ensure the safety of its drivers.

He said: "Of course, it (upgrading of safety features in taxis) is costly. But our drivers' safety is more important."

A check with other taxi operators here revealed that older models of taxis have no airbags installed.

TransCab general manager Jasmine Tan had earlier told the media that its fleet of 1,890 older Toyota Crowns, which have no airbags, will be gradually phased out by 2014.

Similarly, SMRT Taxis director Tony Heng said that its older models will be "replaced progressively with new taxis that are equipped with airbags".

ComfortDelGro, the largest taxi operator in Singapore with a fleet of about 15,000, did not respond to TNP's queries by press time, but its Hyundai Sonata taxis reportedly have no airbags installed.

Passengers TNP spoke to were concerned about the lack of airbags in taxis. Most were also unaware that some taxis are not equipped with airbags.

Student Siti Nadzirah Hassan, 20, who takes a cab once a week, said: "I didn't know taxis have no airbags. I thought that was a basic requirement for cars.

"Now I do not know if I still dare to take taxis."

Taxi drivers TNP spoke to said they would like airbags installed in taxis.

Mr Tan, 48, said: " In the event of an accident, at least I know I will be safer."

Another cabby, Mr David Lim, 47, who has been driving for two years, said: "I have no choice but to continue driving (without airbags installed). I have to feed my family."

"Ultimately (it is) up to the taxi company to decide."

Another driver, Mr Chng, 57, cited cost concerns.

He said: "No airbag. But what to do? I believe the newer taxis will have airbags. But mine is an older one and rental is cheaper by $20 to $30."

Asked if he would pay more rent for a taxi with airbags, Mr Chng replied: "It's hard to make a living as a taxi driver. I would save the money for my family.