The STRAITS TIMES/ANN – A transport company has launched an investigation into a video that has gone viral on social media showing a passenger getting into a taxi boot.
The video posted on Singapore’s road safety Facebook group, SG Road Vigilante, on April 12 shows four young men walking near a blue taxi at a pick-up point in VivoCity. Two of them get into the taxi, with one of them jumping into the boot and the other closing the boot door before getting into the passenger seat.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, a company spokesman said, “We are aware of the video circulating online showing a passenger in a taxi’s boot.”
The spokesman added that “passenger safety is our top priority, and riding in the boot is dangerous and strictly prohibited”.
“We are investigating this incident and will take appropriate action to ensure safety regulations are enforced. We urge all passengers to only use the designated seats in the taxi and wear seat belts.”
The video on Facebook, which has since garnered over 39,000 views, has received more than 140 comments.
Some netizens said the authorities should look into this incident, while several were certain the driver was unaware that someone got into the boot.
According to the road traffic rules in Singapore, the driver and every passenger of a motor vehicle “shall wear a body-restraining seat belt or a lap belt where such a seat belt or lap belt is available for use”.
When queried, the Land Transport Authority said it is looking into the matter.
