Different taxi rates equate to larger difference for same-distance fare
25 Nov 2013|2,816 views
The Straits Times reported that the difference in cab fares from Dover to Changi can be as much as $12, thanks to the varying flagdown and metered fare structures of taxis here.
Commuters have long bemoaned the confusion that the array of rates has caused, with 10 different taxi flag-down fares ranging from $3 to $5. And that is not including more than 10 different kinds of surcharges, and the fact that cab companies can adjust their fares on their own, and often do it quietly.
While the difference in flag-down fare and metered fare increase is between a few cents and $2, the difference can be felt when the distance travelled is long. A taxi ride in a Comfort Toyota Crown from Dover to Changi costs $23.60, while the same ride in an SMRT Chrysler 300C would cost $35.90.
Regular taxi commuter, auditor Toh Huey Sun, 25, feels more can be done to inform the public about fares, which are currently only published on the taxi companies' websites and carried on the taxis' window displays. "Maybe taxis can display the fare they charge on top of their cabs, along with the hired/available status," she said.
Some cabbies, like Mr. Francis Chia, 56, who drives a Chrysler, go the extra mile to let their passengers know the rates before the journey starts. Others, like Mr. Woo Chong Guan, 52, do not even get a chance. "I've had passengers skip my taxi and go to the cheaper models behind," said Mr. Woo, who drives an SMRT Chevrolet Epica.
But while commuters want a standardised fare, drivers still need to recoup the higher rentals for newer models, pointed out adviser to the National Taxi Association Ang Hin Kee. National University of Singapore transport economist also said that standardising fares would require government intervention in the currently deregulated industry.
The Straits Times reported that the difference in cab fares from Dover to Changi can be as much as $12, thanks to the varying flagdown and metered fare structures of taxis here.
Commuters have long bemoaned the confusion that the array of rates has caused, with 10 different taxi flag-down fares ranging from $3 to $5. And that is not including more than 10 different kinds of surcharges, and the fact that cab companies can adjust their fares on their own, and often do it quietly.
While the difference in flag-down fare and metered fare increase is between a few cents and $2, the difference can be felt when the distance travelled is long. A taxi ride in a Comfort Toyota Crown from Dover to Changi costs $23.60, while the same ride in an SMRT Chrysler 300C would cost $35.90.
Regular taxi commuter, auditor Toh Huey Sun, 25, feels more can be done to inform the public about fares, which are currently only published on the taxi companies' websites and carried on the taxis' window displays. "Maybe taxis can display the fare they charge on top of their cabs, along with the hired/available status," she said.
Some cabbies, like Mr. Francis Chia, 56, who drives a Chrysler, go the extra mile to let their passengers know the rates before the journey starts. Others, like Mr. Woo Chong Guan, 52, do not even get a chance. "I've had passengers skip my taxi and go to the cheaper models behind," said Mr. Woo, who drives an SMRT Chevrolet Epica.
But while commuters want a standardised fare, drivers still need to recoup the higher rentals for newer models, pointed out adviser to the National Taxi Association Ang Hin Kee. National University of Singapore transport economist also said that standardising fares would require government intervention in the currently deregulated industry.
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