THE LTA is expected to review its defensive driving course (DDC) syllabus and curriculum.
Authority CEO Naisa Tuinaceva said LTA believed the course lacked the proper impetus to mould PSV drivers into being law-abiding, honest, professional and customer-service driven.
“While the DDC incorporates lifesaving mechanisms, it has failed to absorb customer service requirements for PSV drivers and this weak point is at a critical level due to the large number of complaints received from the public against these drivers,” he said.
“Proper customer service training is lacking in some PSV drivers across the country.
“Individual permit holders are the most vulnerable class since they don’t have any affiliation to a much bigger taxi union or association that often emphasise customer service.
“The LTA has been inundated with complaints against PSV drivers’ services and the nature of complaints has varied from unprofessional customer service, unethical behaviour and breach of drivers’ code of conduct to criminal activities such as stealing from customers and other illegal activities.
“The authority is concerned that if nothing is done, the PSV sector will just become another breeding ground for criminals and corrupt people.”
Mr Tuinaceva said the DDC had recently incorporated basic fire training courses and first aid kit training to help drivers in cases of road accidents.
“It was incorporated as part of the DDC so that drivers can provide some life support mechanism to road accident victims and also themselves.
“This is all part of the review.”
