In January, SMRT and Trans-cab announced plans to install their cars with constantly running video cameras by the end of the year. That would mean that 7,300 taxis, more than a quarter of Singapore’s fleet of 26,000 cabs, would have onboard cameras. Is the idea a sensible way to resolve legal disputes, or a Big Brother-like invasion of privacy?
Lin, taxi driver, 47
‘It is about time we had something like this. We need some evidence to prove our innocence if we get into an accident.’
Mohamed Alfi, taxi driver, 52
‘I’ve been a driver for 13 years, and I don’t see the harm in installing cameras. What can computer systems and new cameras do to us if we’re not doing anything wrong?’
Aretha Loh Li Hsia, student, 22
‘I think it’s an invasion of privacy with a high potential for misuse. I’m not sure that resolving a few crashes justifi es something that could do more harm than good.'
What do you think? Add your comments below.
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In-vehicle cameras are installed for the safety of both passengers and drivers. Same reason almost all public buses come with such cameras. In fact, I feel that such cameras are more important in taxis! than in buses because of the greater interaction factor between driver and passenger. A camera can come in handy if a driver or passenger is accused of assault or other things.
Posted on Sun 27 May 2012 18:06:06
Inboard cameras an invasion of privacy? If they are installed to record the road, how is that possible? I mean seriously, if that was true you wouldn't walk the streets of Singapore where you are recorded on CCTV, nor would you board a bus or MRT where the cameras actually record the passengers. If a taxi driver would like to feel safe with an onboard camera then he should be allowed that right, you too have the right to decline entering the taxi should you not agree with his onboard camera. An invasion of privacy is not a valid argument.
Posted on Sat 19 May 2012 12:13:54
No, cameras should not be installed on board taxis, most likely to be misused. This act is an Invasion of Privacy. Passengers privacy must be respected.
Posted on Wed 07 Mar 2012 14:41:21