Split queue at airport causes protest from premium cab drivers

A huge number of taxi drivers gathered outside Changi Airport's Terminal 1 in the early hours of yesterday to protest against a new segregated queueing system being trialled there, reported The Straits Times.

According to one source, as many as 400 cabs gathered between 1:00am and 2:00am, blaring their horns continuously in what one airport executive described as 'close to an industrial action'. However, others said there were just over 50 taxis involved.

The unhappiness was apparently over a new queue system that separates commuters who want a normal cab from those who wish to take a premium cab (such as a Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, MaxiCab or London Cab, for example). Premium cabs are more expensive.

Changi Airport Group (CAG) spokesman Robin Goh said the system was 'to provide commuters with clearer taxi choices'.

When the trial started at 3:00pm on Monday, things were fine as there were passengers willing to pay more for a premium ride. But later in the night, demand dwindled - sparking the unrest.

A Chrysler cab driver who gave his name only as Roy said he was at Terminal 1 at 1:00am, but denied there was a protest. According to him, the new queues slowed down the flow of cabs at the airport and if the premium cabs were to join the normal cabs, the flow would have been faster. He understands that the premium cab drivers would naturally be unhappy after waiting in the queue for one hour.

The Straits Times understands that the police are aware of the incident and are monitoring the situation. Insiders believe the segregated queues will be scrapped soon, and the airport will revert to one common queue for all cabs.