WHY MUST I TAKE THE FIRST CAB IN LINE?
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good for you, and I hope that when you are at the head of the taxi queue, someone will want to take that premier cab at the end of the queue....Originally posted by laogenjudi:It is almost 24 hours since I first posted this thread. I painted a typical scenario, asked a question which I believe is in many frequent taxi commuters' mind. I expected intelligent answers but there were none.
There were attempted replies but not something that we don't know, such as, "its the norm", "everybody is doing it", "join the queue", "it is ethical"....etc. The more impatient ones started calling names, compare, criticise and even condemn.....Good try.
Why are there different taxi companies? Why must we simply accept what is thrusted at us despite the many choices?
I guess I will not be able to get an answer here. I shall meet up with a LTA director later to clarify.
Anyway....I thank everybody for his/her indulgence. Chin_Eng can continue to be chin boh eng trying to answer other threads - and provide some amusements.
As for the rest, echoing the words of the majority may be safe and sound. But they may be wrong. Remember the case when a lady challenged a taxi driver about alighting opposite the taxi stand near Ngee Ann City? She won after checking with LTA and the taxi company apologised.
I am going to drive my taxi now..........vroooooooooom..........
also, please let us know what the LTA director will say in your conversation... might be an eye opener for the rest of us.
BTW, can you give us your cab number, so that we can avoid you....?
or at least move the back of the queue so that we can take another cab? -
So he is the one who always snatched other drivers' business by constantly not joining the queue...Originally posted by Chin Eng:good for you, and I hope that when you are at the head of the taxi queue, someone will want to take that premier cab at the end of the queue....
also, please let us know what the LTA director will say in your conversation... might be an eye opener for the rest of us.
BTW, can you give us your cab number, so that we can avoid you....? or at least move the back of the queue so that we can take another cab?
Please, please, do let us know his cab number and also the company he drives for...
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fren, you got all the right to choose your taxi but away from the taxi queue. the virtue of a taxi queue is to allow for a concentrated place where commuters can take a cab in an orderly manner - thus a queue. and to be fair to the cabbies who took the effort to get in line & queue, commuters always take the first cab that is in the queue.Originally posted by laogenjudi:It is almost 24 hours since I first posted this thread. I painted a typical scenario, asked a question which I believe is in many frequent taxi commuters' mind. I expected intelligent answers but there were none.
There were attempted replies but not something that we don't know, such as, "its the norm", "everybody is doing it", "join the queue", "it is ethical"....etc. The more impatient ones started calling names, compare, criticise and even condemn.....Good try.
Why are there different taxi companies? Why must we simply accept what is thrusted at us despite the many choices?
I guess I will not be able to get an answer here. I shall meet up with a LTA director later to clarify.
Anyway....I thank everybody for his/her indulgence. Chin_Eng can continue to be chin boh eng trying to answer other threads - and provide some amusements.
As for the rest, echoing the words of the majority may be safe and sound. But they may be wrong. Remember the case when a lady challenged a taxi driver about alighting opposite the taxi stand near Ngee Ann City? She won after checking with LTA and the taxi company apologised.
I am going to drive my taxi now..........vroooooooooom..........
try to look at it this way, sure you thought you can take any cab you fancy, but if the premiere cab driver allows you to do that, he earned your fare but don't forget, he ply the road everyday, he risks being misunderstood by other 'colleagues' who are in front of him, they will DL with him. If i am the cabbie in front, i looked in the rearview mirror and see this joker get fare and drive off. What would I think? He solicited you by offering you a lower fare - which is something that is against the practice of taxi drivers. He won't be thinking, oh, the guy likes Premiere cab more. Now mulitply by the number of cabs ahead of him, and the poor driver instantly got himself a dozen ppl very dl with him.
also, cabbies because nature of their jobs being so mobile, often meet at different coffee shops or they even congregate regularly at certain spots to take up fares, imagine you made ppl dl, not nice and ethical mah.
you choose his cab, your interaction with him is only a few minutes or half and hour and then you are off, but for him, he face the dl cabbies / colleagues day in day out ...so in his shoes, he doesn't want that.
if you really like to choose, you can always flag a cab away from the taxi queue bcos i noe, there are cabbies who don't like to queue and they will pick u up.
your scenerio is slightly different from case of the lady who request to be dropped off where she like. in her case, its the cabbie who is guai lanz who wanted convenience for himself. -
no point lah... we can tell that the TS has a warped sense of reality. Explain all we want about the implications on the drivers, the safety aspect of joining a queue, the fairness etc etc.... he won't understand lah, his only response will be: we sway to the crowd and kowtow to cab companies.Originally posted by red_amoeba:fren, you got all the right to choose your taxi but away from the taxi queue. the virtue of a taxi queue is to allow for a concentrated place where commuters can take a cab in an orderly manner - thus a queue. and to be fair to the cabbies who took the effort to get in line & queue, commuters always take the first cab that is in the queue.....
I sincerely hope he will carry out his intention to meet the LTA folks and present his case, otherwise he will join in the myriads of individuals in SGforums who's all talk only, another ball-less individual. -
I just started reading this thread after a friend told me about it. I cannot help but join in as what started as a simple message asking for comments is reduced to a senseless blog of brutal insults. This is bad for forum as a whole.
The starter, Laogenjudi - I shall call him Mr Lao - asked a very legitimate question. As a consumer or commuter, why can't he exercise his choice?
Response has been fast and furious; understandably so because many feel that they want to help the taxi uncles. Lets try to get a clearer picture admist the smoke. Mr Lao insists he can choose the taxi company but all the others say he cannot choose the taxi driver. In principle, Mr Lao is right but in practice he is wrong. Mr Lao has failed to understand the human component. He may have grudges against the taxi companies but he cannot use the driver as a tool to fight his cause.
As somebody has said, "call a cab if you want to choose."
About the conduct of forum here. Interestingly, and ironically, the very people who tell Mr Lao to be sensitive, ethical and show respect to others are themselves hurling abuses and insults at Mr Lao. Remarks such as, "If you don't like it, get out of the country","you a foreigner from a backward country?","never take a taxi before" or "don't know what a queue is" are absolutely uncalled for remarks. What difference are they from Mr Lao as far as respecting an individual is concerned ?
You can voice your opinion but others don't have to agree with you. Why start the name calling? It only provokes the other party to respond likewise and eventually the vicious cycle spirals out of control. What a shame. For the purpose of a healthy forum, post moderator should chide writers who start calling names.
I would like to provide Mr Lao with some "intelligent answers". He may have faded away after the massive bombardment. If that is the case, nobody is any wiser - but weirder definitely. -
I own up... it's me.... but let's focus on your point now - for the sake of the others.... provide these intelligent answers. Allow me the opportunity to learn for your esteem self.Originally posted by thinkloud2004:I would like to provide Mr Lao with some "intelligent answers". He may have faded away after the massive bombardment. If that is the case, nobody is any wiser - but weirder definitely. -
selfish
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I take taxi everyday as my job needs me to. I see all kind of taxi's driver attiude.Originally posted by laogenjudi:It is almost 24 hours since I first posted this thread. I painted a typical scenario, asked a question which I believe is in many frequent taxi commuters' mind. I expected intelligent answers but there were none.
There were attempted replies but not something that we don't know, such as, "its the norm", "everybody is doing it", "join the queue", "it is ethical"....etc. The more impatient ones started calling names, compare, criticise and even condemn.....Good try.
Why are there different taxi companies? Why must we simply accept what is thrusted at us despite the many choices?
I guess I will not be able to get an answer here. I shall meet up with a LTA director later to clarify.
Anyway....I thank everybody for his/her indulgence. Chin_Eng can continue to be chin boh eng trying to answer other threads - and provide some amusements.
As for the rest, echoing the words of the majority may be safe and sound. But they may be wrong. Remember the case when a lady challenged a taxi driver about alighting opposite the taxi stand near Ngee Ann City? She won after checking with LTA and the taxi company apologised.
I am going to drive my taxi now..........vroooooooooom..........
I still agree with TS view. If I were TS, I will do what he do too. imagine everyday take taxi, surely you have a prefer taxi company you like.
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Singaporeans are suckers for rules ma, must follow rule if not kena labelled as deviant
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Because everyone like you will screw out the purpose of having a taxi stand...
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If one day you are queuing and the counter staff decide to serve the person at the end of the line, tell you that she/he prefer that customer better, what would you feel???Originally posted by laogenjudi:I was walking towards the taxi stand outside Capitol Centre, North Bridge road. To hail a taxi of course. I saw at least 10 taxis, from various companies, waiting in line. As I approached from the back of the line, I decided to hop into a Premier Taxi which was second from last. The taxi driver turned around and said I should go and take the first taxi in line. I said no because I did not want to walk more and besides I prefer Premier Taxi than other taxis. He insisted that I MUST take the first taxi and refused to move.
Angrily, I got out, crossed the road and took the MRT.
Why taxi driver can choose passenger but passenger cannot choose taxi?
I simply do not like certain taxi companies, why can't I patronise the one that I like?
I am paying more to take a taxi because I do not want to walk more. Why can't I hop on to the taxi nearest to me?
Finally, what is the penalty or punishment for the driver if he decided to accept me? Will he be fined by LTA or get whacked by his hungry colleagues?
Comments please (more specifically, please answer the questions).
When in taxi queue, it is only right to board the first one in line and that driver has done something right by rejecting to accept your fare when you do something like this. -
Originally posted by laogenjudi:
The problem is that you are in this system whereby the first in line always get to go first. Thus you cannot take anyone that is in this system. To get the cab company that you actually like or as you said in your post, "choose the premier cab", please pick up your phone and dial for it.
Ha haa....glad that you are trying to recall my first post.....but please be very specific. All other examples and scenarios were raised by others. I stick to what I have mentioned and they are - for your sake - in point form -
1. There was no passenger queing for taxi at the taxi stand.
2. There were 10 taxis waiting in line
3. They were from various taxi companies
4. So I had the choice, the taxi drivers did not.
5. I happened to be at the end of the taxi line.
6. A Premier silver cab was second from the end of the taxi line.
7. The rest were from other companies.
8. I like to sit in a Premier cab.
Based on [b]ALL THE ABOVE, please answer my question -
Why can't I choose the cab, more importantly the cab company, I prefer??
[/b]
Or you can stand away from the queue and try flagging down a premier cab. The system is build in such a way that the first one at the queue gets the next passenger and not the next passenger gets to choose anyone from the queue just the way they like or feel about a particular cab.
Speaking or which, which cab rejects passenger when they join the taxi queues and only choose the passengers of their choice from the existing queue of passenger at the taxi stand?
You should know about it more than us since you mentioned that you are working part time as well. There are several companies in singapore, Comfort, CityCab, Transit, etc... Even within the cab company, there are different models of cabs...
The company do not pay the drivers, the drivers pay the company for the rental of their vehicle daily. They are still under the company in the sense that the company will take action against them if they break any rules listed by their company like chosing passengers.
They also have warnings and demerit points system whereby their cab license can be taken away if they continue to make mistakes.
LTA would not respond to you because you are thinking as if you are shopping. Boarding a cab in the taxi queue is not like taking an item from the shelves full of manchanise. -
As I said in my previous post, it is not like boarding a cab when it is queuing at the cab queue.Originally posted by laogenjudi:I want to buy a new computer. I go to this famous computer centre in town.
There is this RICH TYCOON having a shop in almost every floor in the building, starting with level one where I enter the building. Heard all kinds of bad reports about this tycoon's various outlets. Their sales people are foul-mouthed, impatient and resort to personal attack when they cannot manage to convince you to buy. They cheat tourists. They despise locals.
Also heard from a friend that at level six there is this little shop where service is wonderful and price reasonable. I go all the way to level six to buy my computer.
Am I wrong?
It is either you are really dumb or you try to act clever to mix this example to tell your point that you try to raise in your first post.
Yes, you have the right to chose which company you buy the computer from since there are no rules on you need to get the things from the first shop you come across.
But, you are wrong when you try to apply that in getting a cab in the taxi queue. Those cabs had agreed to follow the system when they joined the queue and thus, you are not allow to choose the cab that is queueing in the queu itself. This is definitely not like shopping for an item. -
I am afraid you need to dig a little deeper....Originally posted by thinkloud2004:I just started reading this thread after a friend told me about it. I cannot help but join in as what started as a simple message asking for comments is reduced to a senseless blog of brutal insults. This is bad for forum as a whole.
The starter, Laogenjudi - I shall call him Mr Lao - asked a very legitimate question. As a consumer or commuter, why can't he exercise his choice?
Response has been fast and furious; understandably so because many feel that they want to help the taxi uncles. Lets try to get a clearer picture admist the smoke. Mr Lao insists he can choose the taxi company but all the others say he cannot choose the taxi driver. In principle, Mr Lao is right but in practice he is wrong. Mr Lao has failed to understand the human component. He may have grudges against the taxi companies but he cannot use the driver as a tool to fight his cause.
As somebody has said, "call a cab if you want to choose."
About the conduct of forum here. Interestingly, and ironically, the very people who tell Mr Lao to be sensitive, ethical and show respect to others are themselves hurling abuses and insults at Mr Lao. Remarks such as, "If you don't like it, get out of the country","you a foreigner from a backward country?","never take a taxi before" or "don't know what a queue is" are absolutely uncalled for remarks. What difference are they from Mr Lao as far as respecting an individual is concerned ?
You can voice your opinion but others don't have to agree with you. Why start the name calling? It only provokes the other party to respond likewise and eventually the vicious cycle spirals out of control. What a shame. For the purpose of a healthy forum, post moderator should chide writers who start calling names.
I would like to provide Mr Lao with some "intelligent answers". He may have faded away after the massive bombardment. If that is the case, nobody is any wiser - but weirder definitely.
The beginning of this thread is not the first thread of this topic, it is actually here: http://www.sgforums.com/?action=thread_display&thread_id=254504 here is where I got first involved by answering the TS. You will find my short answer at about 3 post from the bottom. I did ask - curiously and without sarcasm - if the TS is from overseas.
Subsequently the thread was locked because it was in the wrong place.
This thread was reposted here, with almost the same questions from the TS. Again I asked the question: are you a foreigner?
My question was without malice, I am merely confused that the TS is asking questions that are part and parcel of life without giving more explanation over his experience.
Let me state that at this point, the TS could have simply answer my question and tell us the REASON behind the questions. Note that actual questions is different from the reason why a person ask those questions.
Without any further clarification on whether the TS was a foreigner or local, I assume that he is a foreigner. Hence I said, if you are not happy with the local system, leave.
All these while, the TS made not attempt to clarify his status or position. Yet subsequently he claimed that he is a part time driver. That being the case, I would assume that he is familiar with the rules of LTA and the other relevant authorities. So at this point, I ask, why all the questions if he already know all the rules?
We need to observe that most forummers had already given their take on the WHYS, and I believe the answers has been reasonable and extremely realistic.
Unfortunately the TS is not willing to accept such answers.
Time and again, I've tried to ask him for his status. And time and again, he refuse to deal with this question. Therefore, at this point, we can safely conclude that perhaps the TS is leading us on, and perhaps, too, that the the TS is not being upfront with himself to us.
To me the TS is a paradox: he wants the system to work in such a way that the taxi drivers do not benefit from fair practice yet he is a taxi driver. This is the point where I am quite confused over. This is different from some of the other posts, which came from the totally consumer viewpoint.
At the end of the day, the queue system is designed to be FIRST IN FIRST OUT, taxi companies not withstanding. Who gets into the queue first, gets the fare first. It is as simple as that. By merely going by cab companies is also not the answer. Drivers are not robots, every company will have their own bad hats. So in itself, choice of cab companies is not really a good justification for this issue.
This system is no different from what is practiced in an A&E section of the hospital or the polyclinic.... you see whichever doctor that is assigned to you! You want to choose? Pay the price of a specialist!
Yet, thinkloud, I am willing to read whatever profound theories you may have to have a system to work in a taxi-queue environment. -
As I'd said earlier, can we make out the attitude of the drivers by merely looking at the companies?Originally posted by GhostStalker:I take taxi everyday as my job needs me to. I see all kind of taxi's driver attiude.
I still agree with TS view. If I were TS, I will do what he do too. imagine everyday take taxi, surely you have a prefer taxi company you like. -
u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrong u r wrongOriginally posted by laogenjudi:It is almost 24 hours since I first posted this thread. I painted a typical scenario, asked a question which I believe is in many frequent taxi commuters' mind. I expected intelligent answers but there were none.
There were attempted replies but not something that we don't know, such as, "its the norm", "everybody is doing it", "join the queue", "it is ethical"....etc. The more impatient ones started calling names, compare, criticise and even condemn.....Good try.
Why are there different taxi companies? Why must we simply accept what is thrusted at us despite the many choices?
I guess I will not be able to get an answer here. I shall meet up with a LTA director later to clarify.
Anyway....I thank everybody for his/her indulgence. Chin_Eng can continue to be chin boh eng trying to answer other threads - and provide some amusements.
As for the rest, echoing the words of the majority may be safe and sound. But they may be wrong. Remember the case when a lady challenged a taxi driver about alighting opposite the taxi stand near Ngee Ann City? She won after checking with LTA and the taxi company apologised.
I am going to drive my taxi now..........vroooooooooom.......... -
Dude, are you taking an egg and smashin' it into your face?Originally posted by laogenjudi:Harping the same old thing,all. I mean the few who replied or think that they have replied. But in fact they have not answered my fundamental question - i.e. why can't I choose the taxi, more importantly the taxi company, I want?
Whether the driver accepts me or not is another matter. It takes two to complete a business deal.
Most of the (attempted) answers are from the heart rather than from the head, i.e. don't ask question, just give it to the first in line. No doubt, most people here are perfectly conditioned by rules, even if it means surrending their rights.
Try to provide answers to the following
1. How many taxi companies are there in Singapore?
2. Are they all the same?
3. If they are the same, why have different companies?
4. If they are different, why can't I choose the one I prefer?
I am not against queing for taxis. I am appalled at our capitalist cum socialist system. There are many taxi companies, ostensibly to give consumers more choices but in fact to create more managers and directors for the chosen elites. Same for many of the essential services here.
Thousands of taxi drivers are fighting for survival while the big bosses in each taxi company earn big salary. They lay down the rules and if you are not happy they tell you, "You have plenty of choices. Stop complaining."
So where is the consumer's choice?
And do you believe it - I am a part time taxi driver ?
I read and read labouriously until here only to see a no-substamce. Yes. you can choose the cab but the unker can choose not to take you. You yourself acknowledged it takes two to tango so what is this thread all about? Trying to increase post count. I don't see any relevance in anything you posted
i am just interested to know if you have a personality disorder -
Have a perfer taxi company is ok - you can choose to call the cab. If not wait for that cab turn then hop on it . And not just because you like that cab, and it it is in the middle of the cab queue you jump in it - that is wrong .Originally posted by GhostStalker:I take taxi everyday as my job needs me to. I see all kind of taxi's driver attiude.
I still agree with TS view. If I were TS, I will do what he do too. imagine everyday take taxi, surely you have a prefer taxi company you like.
So everyday take cab - big is it ? others also everyday take cab - then what about their rights . taxi drivers everyday drive cabs also - be fair to others also -
I believe Mr Lao (or TS) is still reading. I don't believe he is a foreigner. Neither is he a taxi driver. He simply wanted to provoke after being provoked. As I have said, once a person feels insulted, he shuts himself to all reasons. So our posts may be directing at nobody in particular.
Anyway, let me share with Lao, as well as others who are interested, my view on this. I must say this is just my personal opinion. Since Mr Lao wants to be specific.......let me answer based on his conditions,
1. There was no passenger queing for taxi at the taxi stand.
2. There were 10 taxis waiting in line
3. They were from various taxi companies
4. So I had the choice, the taxi drivers did not.
5. I happened to be at the end of the taxi line.
6. A Premier silver cab was second from the end of the taxi line.
7. The rest were from other companies.
8. I like to sit in a Premier cab.
In fact, many good suggestions already appeared after my post. I just wish to add.
When you select a taxi in the taxi queue, you are not just choosing the taxi company. You are choosing the driver - and that is an insult. Coming from the rear of the taxi line further reduces your rationale. What happens if, just as you were about to go into the Premier cab; another person comes from the front also prefers the same cab. Will you give way? Will the law of the jungle prevail then?
All your conditions mentioned are variables. It is because there are many variables that rules are being set and implemented. When there is a rule, everybody follows and it cannot be bent to suit your variables.
Your preference may be a Premier cab, somebody else may want a young handsome driver, a certain race or religion, a cab with more flashy advertisements.....etc. Imagine if the authority allows all such preferences at a taxi stand.
If Mr Lao were to travel by bus, try boarding at the EXIT door and tell the driver because it is nearer to you and you still pay the fare. I don't know how he will react. But I am sure some of the passengers will feel like pushing you down. Granted some of the rules are not, or need not be, very explicit but there are things called social grace and etiquette. Try to be different and prepare to be unceremoniously denounced.
Regards -
Some people just like to change the rules of the game.Even a cab driver get confused the rules of the game.Originally posted by storywolf:Have a perfer taxi company is ok - you can choose to call the cab. If not wait for that cab turn then hop on it . And not just because you like that cab, and it it is in the middle of the cab queue you jump in it - that is wrong .
So everyday take cab - big is it ? others also everyday take cab - then what about their rights . taxi drivers everyday drive cabs also - be fair to others also
I suggest let the Like-minded people go try out their "customer right" at Changi Airport Taxi queue and Woodlands Checkpoint Taxi queue and tell us the result. -
If all attempts were made to understand his mindset had failed, and he did not even try to clarify his position, one can hardly be surprised at the reaction.Originally posted by thinkloud2004:I believe Mr Lao (or TS) is still reading. I don't believe he is a foreigner. Neither is he a taxi driver. He simply wanted to provoke after being provoked. As I have said, once a person feels insulted, he shuts himself to all reasons. So our posts may be directing at nobody in particular. -
Yup, especially when there is a Merc in berth 4 and a crappy black cab in berth 1.....Originally posted by Frogleg888:Some people just like to change the rules of the game.Even a cab driver get confused the rules of the game.
I suggest let the Like-minded people go try out their "customer right" at Changi Airport Taxi queue and Woodlands Checkpoint Taxi queue and tell us the result. and that there are NO OTHER PASSENGERS in the queue.
It happened to me once.... a (ahem) foreigner attempted to jump into the merc that was meant for me even though the "traffic wardens"at the taxi stand clearly asked him to go to the regular taxi.... the one just before the merc.
Tried to act blur until I insisted that the merc was mine to take. -
Better still !!! One day I catch him doing that infront of me, I make sure I hop on the same cab with him then bring him east coast park - road safety park, and make him learn basic road courtesy there !!!Originally posted by Frogleg888:Some people just like to change the rules of the game.Even a cab driver get confused the rules of the game.
I suggest let the Like-minded people go try out their "customer right" at Changi Airport Taxi queue and Woodlands Checkpoint Taxi queue and tell us the result. -
if like that i think the taxi drivers in front can cry .......everyone take the behind taxis lol
if there is only 1 taxi i reckon u would haven taken it @ that point in time even it is not the company that is to your liking -
Something you can never choose... Because of that... everyone on this planet was born.
You try to exercise your rights but it do not work in all situation and sometimes, you do not have the rights... like compulsory national service.
You are paying but you do not get what you want... like an patient waiting for an organ transplant. You do not go shop around for organ donor and decide which person's organ you want to use. You may say that you can go 3rd world and buy... but isn't that what you should have do by dialing the number and call the premier cab that you want????
So, you get it???