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Taxi companies increasing flagdown rates

22 Oct 2013|4,431 views

Taxi companies in Singapore are increasing the flagdown fares of their fleet - with the primary focus on newer models.

The Renault Latitudes were introduced by Trans Cab two months ago

ComfortDelgro, the largest operator here with 60 percent of Singapore's 27,400 taxis, has priced its Hyundai i40's initial fare at $3.70. This is 50 cents higher than the flagdown for the Sonata, the i40's predecessor. More than 85 percent of the taxi giant's fleet are Sonatas, which are expected to be replaced by the i40 - rolled out last month - over the next few years.

Trans-Cab, the second largest taxi firm with about 4,400 cabs, has priced its Renault Latitudes at $3.90. This is up from its similar sized Chevrolet Epica, which costs $3.60 to flag down now, and $3.40 just a few weeks ago.

Taxi fares are not regulated here, though operators have to meet service and safety standards. COE premiums for taxis are now around $77,000 - up from $50,000 two years ago.

Some operators also play the 'green' card when reviewing fares, introducing petrol-electric hybrids with higher flagdowns.

SMRT, the third largest player here, has ordered more than 600 Toyota Priuses. The first units will roll out on Friday, with a flagdown of $3.80. This is higher than the $3.50 to $3.70 charged by Premier and Prime, two other operators with Prius cabs. With the Prius purchase, the company will have the biggest hybrid cab fleet by next year. SMRT will also raise the rate for its Hyundai Azera to $3.80 this week, from $3.60.

SMRT Senior Vice President (Roads) Benny Lim said a mobile app is in the works that will allow 'green' commuters to specifically request a green taxi.

Other initial fares which have gone up include Prime Taxi's Toyota Vellfire. The all-wheel drive seven-seater costs $4.50 to flag down, up from $4. The smallest player has upped the flagdown of its other cabs by about 20 cents.

The Straits Times reported that taxi fares are increasing as operators move to counter higher Certificate Of Entitlement (COE) prices and a growth restriction on their fleets. Most increases are by 20 cents in the flagdown fares of newer models.

ComfortDelgro, the largest operator here with 60 percent of Singapore's 27,400 taxis, has priced its Hyundai i40's initial fare at $3.70. This is 50 cents higher than the flagdown for the Sonata, the i40's predecessor. More than 85 percent of the taxi giant's fleet are Sonatas, which are expected to be replaced by the i40 - rolled out last month - over the next few years.

Trans-Cab, the second largest taxi firm with about 4,400 cabs, has priced its Renault Latitudes at $3.90. This is up from its similar sized Chevrolet Epica, which costs $3.60 to flag down now, and $3.40 just a few weeks ago.

Taxi fares are not regulated here, though operators have to meet service and safety standards. COE premiums for taxis are now around $77,000 - up from $50,000 two years ago.

Some operators also play the 'green' card when reviewing fares, introducing petrol-electric hybrids with higher flagdowns.

SMRT, the third largest player here, has ordered more than 600 Toyota Priuses. The first units will roll out on Friday, with a flagdown of $3.80. This is higher than the $3.50 to $3.70 charged by Premier and Prime, two other operators with Prius cabs. With the Prius purchase, the company will have the biggest hybrid cab fleet by next year. SMRT will also raise the rate for its Hyundai Azera to $3.80 this week, from $3.60.

SMRT Senior Vice President (Roads) Benny Lim said a mobile app is in the works that will allow 'green' commuters to specifically request a green taxi.

Other initial fares which have gone up include Prime Taxi's Toyota Vellfire. The all-wheel drive seven-seater costs $4.50 to flag down, up from $4. The smallest player has upped the flagdown of its other cabs by about 20 cents.