Other businesses on Albert Street, including a row of kiosks and fortune-telling stands, were still open. Shopkeepers said the absence of the trishaw riders did not have a noticeable effect on their business.
Ms Jessica Chong, who sells clothes at a kiosk, said it was better not to have trishaws parked there as visitors would have more space to walk.
STB’s Ms Chang said that prior to Trishaw Uncle’s contract expiry, it actively engaged the operator and extended its lease to allow time to explore alternative arrangements.
“Industry partners have cited waning demand for trishaw rides due to alternative products which are similar, such as sightseeing bus tours, walking tours, cycling tours and river cruises,” she added.
Trishaw Uncle previously told CNA that it had shortlisted potential sites in Chinatown, Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay for discussion with STB, but was informed it could not use these spaces.
STB said these sites were assessed to be unsuitable due to “competing uses”.
Safety concerns, the need for a “conducive” operational environment and the requirement for a place to store the trishaws were key factors that STB and relevant agencies considered.
In Singapore, all trishaw operators and individual riders must obtain necessary licences and approvals from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) before starting operations, including for non-commercial uses.
LTA said it has not received feedback or come across any unlicensed trishaw operators or riders.
While commercial trishaw tours are no longer available with the non-renewal of Albert Mall Trishaw Park’s lease and the expiry of Trishaw Uncle’s licence, charity Cycling Without Age Singapore gives recreational trishaw rides to seniors.
The charity has 11 trishaws and is licenced to operate on footpaths and park connectors. Its activities are concentrated at Gardens by the Bay, ActiveSG Park at Jurong Lake Gardens and PAssion WaVe @ Marina Bay areas, said founder Jerome Yuen.
