Trans-Cab set to take over Smart taxis
TRANS-CAB, the newcomer that became the second largest taxi operator here in less than 10 years, is set to acquire the fleet of rival Smart Taxis.
Smart will relinquish its operating licence in September after it failed to meet the Land Transport Authority's service standards and maintain a minimum fleet size of 800.
Smart, with 268 cabs last month, started in 2003 - the same year as Trans-Cab - when the Government liberalised the industry.
Trans-Cab chief executive Teo Kiang Ang told The Straits Times yesterday that the deal has yet to be finalised. He would not disclose the sum involved.
Smart's powder-green taxis will be resprayed to sport Trans-Cab's corporate red.
The deal, if concluded, should bring Trans-Cab's fleet to more than 4,700.
Smart Taxis managing director Johnny Harjantho was not available for comment.
CHRISTOPHER TAN
So Prime Taxi last time gong jiao way?...