Taxi Problem in Singapore by WAHBIANG
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Taxi Problems in Singapore
MAY 27, 2011 LEAVE A COMMENT
The availability of taxis in Singapore is becoming a big problem. For someone like me who has been away for a while, I could tell the difference. There is simply no “Comfort” in our taxis anymore. Getting from point A to point B can be frustrating and confusing. Not just for the locals but also for tourists who rely on our taxis to get around. To make things worst, there are new rules regulating where passengers can alight from a cab. Taking a cab to CBD is like taking a bus – the passenger can only alight at designated taxi stands. This is the stupidest rule someone in the authority came up with. If it is to prevent taxis from jamming the traffic and endangering other motorists, we can always introduce inlets or special lanes for taxi to stop. To create standard taxi stand for all flag-downs is fair and good, but to restrict where a passenger can alight is absolutely senseless. It hinders the convenience of taking a cab, especially on a rainy day.
One of the most common problems is our call-in system and the “mystery of disappearance and appearance of taxis at specific hours”. Any taxi driver with common sense would figure out that it is less-profitable to pick up any passengers 30 minutes before the “peak hours” (example: midnight). Why pick up flag-down passenger when there is a call-in mechanic that will earn them more money? Of course, there is no rule to restrict how our taxi-drivers should do their business. It is simply a “work smart and not hard” policy. But this is the root of the problem as many cab drivers are capitalising on the call-in “bonus cash”. Seriously, our cab companies must look into this as this is becoming a black spot in our “near perfect” tourism image. Profit mongering activities should never be encouraged.
Another confusion is the different tiers of surcharge for different types of taxis. I welcome the newer and bigger cabs but I totally detest the confusing “creative” charges (peak hours, CBD, ERP, midnight, special cabs). At some point, I gave up trying to understand when and how my meter fare ran. Gone were the days when things were simpler and straight-forward. If these are the things we have to compromise for comfort and bigger space, I rather go back to old days when we had decent clean taxis but a standard fare. Surely, what’s the point of having more bigger and newer taxis when more and more of them aren’t available?
When I was in Shanghai, taxi drivers gave discounts for midnight fare. And in Hong Kong, many taxi drivers give discounts if you do special booking. Getting a taxi in Hong Kong is relatively easy (just like how we saw it in those typical Hong Kong drama series). Strangely, Hong Kong is even more congested than Singapore but I don’t see much jams that justify ERPs or peak hour charges. In Singapore, we implemented so many tolls and surcharge to smoother traffics but I don’t see much improvements to the jams in CTE or Orchard Road during the peak hours.
Seriously, if Singapore wants to attract and bring in more tourists, we have to fix this problem. Taxi is one of the most important means of transport for our foreign guests. Taxis are the first point of contact for our visitors. And for these poor tourists, they have to start paying surcharge the minute they leave the airport – not to mention paying the additional peak hours and ERP charges if they landed during the wrong hours. Soon, the same group of tourists may find themselves stranded out there during peak hours (and they are not familiar with our bus or MRT network). It can be a frustrating and painful experience for them. Perhaps our new transport minister should get out of his cozy sedan and spend more time trying to get a taxi (or listening to the repetitive background music of our taxi hotline) in CBD during a freaking hot or wet weather.
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Taking a taxi is a fast and convenient way to get around Shanghai. The city, has the best-managed taxi service in China. -
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Taxi fares in Hong Kong, China 
Finding a taxi in Hong Kong
There are basically three kinds of taxis in Hong Kong, the red, blue and the green cars. The red taxis mostly serve Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, while the green cabs only drive within the New Territories. The blue taxis only serve on Lantau Island. There are taxi maps at the tourist offices that will help you pick the right taxi, but the main advice is to take the red cab when in doubt.
The Hong Kong taxi system generally works very well. The taxis are efficient, strictly monitored (very few scams) and with over 18 000 cars, they are to be found most everywhere. A "For hire" flag in the windshield or a lit rooftop sign will tell you if the taxi is available. Taxis can usually be hailed from the pavement, although there are some restrictions on high-traffic streets. Taxi stands are also numerous. Many taxi drivers don't speak English, so getting your destination written down in Chinese is good idea before stepping into the taxi.
General taxi fares in Hong Kong
When the trip starts, the fare is HK$20, and increases by HK$1.5 every 200 meter. Every large piece of luggage that goes in the trunk is HK$5 extra. Tipping isn't mandatory, but most customers round up to the nearest HK$.
Hong Kong taxi prices tend to compare very well to other cities; Hong Kong was in fact recently deemed "The cheapest major taxi city in the world"!
Airport taxi fares in Hong Kong
Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok) - Central Hong Kong: HK$350
Other approximate taxi fares in Hong Kong
LAST UPDATED ON SUNDAY, 07 AUGUST 2011 16:07 -
Problem with singapore taxi is created by the taxi compay and LTA. People waiting for taxi must understand and cannot blame the driver for bringing greedy for extra surcharges. Rent a new taxi is not cheap why ask LTA. going to cbd with no passenger has to pay money. Hong kong has ERP or COE????? Another that 35% and CBD $3 is the by LTA to so call encourage taxi driver to drive during peck hour. what happen, 5pm to 8pm long Q of taxi 8pm to 10plus long q of people.
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Maybe the taxi fare should follow what bus fare that is to let PTC to monitor the demand and make the adjustment to the demand. I don't like that 35% surchage and remove that on call service for every company. Is hong knog taxi operator government link? singapore biggest companies is. So even there is kelong between LTA and two big company also not surprise.
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Originally posted by wsy1234:
Problem with singapore taxi is created by the taxi compay and LTA. People waiting for taxi must understand and cannot blame the driver for bringing greedy for extra surcharges. Rent a new taxi is not cheap why ask LTA. going to cbd with no passenger has to pay money. Hong kong has ERP or COE????? Another that 35% and CBD $3 is the by LTA to so call encourage taxi driver to drive during peck hour. what happen, 5pm to 8pm long Q of taxi 8pm to 10plus long q of people.
Blame it on LTA we juz play by the rules.......
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Cannot compare HK taxi. See their fare....
General taxi fares in Hong Kong
When the trip starts, the fare is HK$20(SGD 3.20), and increases by HK$1.5 (SGD 0.24) every 200 meter. Every large piece of luggage that goes in the trunk is HK$5 extra. Tipping isn't mandatory, but most customers round up to the nearest HK$.
Hong Kong taxi prices tend to compare very well to other cities; Hong Kong was in fact recently deemed "The cheapest major taxi city in the world"!
So for a 5km trip
HK taxi $20+($1.5X5X5) = HK $57.50 = SGD 9.40
SG taxi $2.80+(4km/385m X $0.20) = $5.00 if peak + 35% = SGD 6.75 if peak in city + $3 = SGD 9.75
SO OUR TAXI WHERE GOT EXPENSIVE? GIVE ME THAT KIND OF RATE NO PEAK SURCHARGE ALSO NEVERMIND LAH...
Airport taxi fares in Hong Kong
Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok) - Central Hong Kong: HK$350 = SGD 57.00
2 trip AP settle our FULL DAY RENTAL LIAO. LIKE THAT NO AP SURCHARGE I ALSO GO QUEUE.
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KNN of course easy to take taxi in HK lah. That kind of rate no need play hide and seek liao. Anytime anywhere I also take. LTA WAKE UP YOUR FARKING IDEA. Review our fare lah. No need surcharge lah. Change to HK type of surcharge confirm our service better then them. KNN in HK you pay so much sit sampan here you pay peanuts can sit Wish, Epica, i30, Ariware, Azzera, Sonata, Touran, Fit....all so much comfy that sampan still want to KPKB. Phuii....wake up your idea lah WAHBIANG
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Our taxi service is a good example of problem solving in Singapore.
Any problem, think and tackle it. Close.
Another problem generated because of the above.
Think and tackle it. Close.
Another problem generated because of the above.
Think and tackle it. Close.
Another problem generated because of the above.
Think and tackle it. Close.
Another problem generated because of the above.
Think and tackle it. Close.
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got tat kind of rate alot of ppl switch to day liao.........
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You guys want better rate like HK??? Must ask President Tan.!!! Hokkien:"ç‰ä¹…久就有" 包有的...................
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It is PAP's and Government's propaganda to keep operational cost low , transport cost is one of them .
so as to attract more investors into Singapore with the low operational cost factors .
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but they didn't know , low cost means more people taking taxis , in the end , still need to call for one , LPPL .
Why they kept enforcing a Booking Standard for taxi companies ?
That is how Comfort rolls in those revenue . Taxi Booking Service generates millions of dollars for Comfort each year .
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PAP = GIC = LTA = COMFORT
Left pocket goes to PAP .
Right pocket also goes to PAP .
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we must help ourself to higher taxi fare .
don't rely on the authority .... wait long long .
must tekan commuters to compaint more .
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cabbies juz act in the self interest of our own pockets.........
providing gd 1st rate service at such a low cost forget about it.........
n ppl still complain taxi fare ex??? knn if no income who care for us??
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Originally posted by hammerhammer8888:
HK taxi $20+($1.5X5X5) = HK $57.50 = SGD 9.40
SG taxi $2.80+(4km/385m X $0.20) = $5.00 if peak + 35% = SGD 6.75 if peak in city + $3 = SGD 9.75
SO OUR TAXI WHERE GOT EXPENSIVE? GIVE ME THAT KIND OF RATE NO PEAK SURCHARGE ALSO NEVERMIND LAH...
HK taxi $20+($1.5X5X3) = HK $42.50
cos HK$20 is for first 2km or any part thereof.
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Originally posted by hammerhammer8888:
KNN of course easy to take taxi in HK lah. That kind of rate no need play hide and seek liao. Anytime anywhere I also take. LTA WAKE UP YOUR FARKING IDEA. Review our fare lah. No need surcharge lah. Change to HK type of surcharge confirm our service better then them. KNN in HK you pay so much sit sampan here you pay peanuts can sit Wish, Epica, i30, Ariware, Azzera, Sonata, Touran, Fit....all so much comfy that sampan still want to KPKB. Phuii....wake up your idea lah WAHBIANG
, hahaha,...true, like yr style -
Originally posted by hammerhammer8888:
Cannot compare HK taxi. See their fare....
General taxi fares in Hong Kong
When the trip starts, the fare is HK$20(SGD 3.20), and increases by HK$1.5 (SGD 0.24) every 200 meter. Every large piece of luggage that goes in the trunk is HK$5 extra. Tipping isn't mandatory, but most customers round up to the nearest HK$.
Hong Kong taxi prices tend to compare very well to other cities; Hong Kong was in fact recently deemed "The cheapest major taxi city in the world"!
So for a 5km trip
HK taxi $20+($1.5X5X5) = HK $57.50 = SGD 9.40
SG taxi $2.80+(4km/385m X $0.20) = $5.00 if peak + 35% = SGD 6.75 if peak in city + $3 = SGD 9.75
SO OUR TAXI WHERE GOT EXPENSIVE? GIVE ME THAT KIND OF RATE NO PEAK SURCHARGE ALSO NEVERMIND LAH...
Airport taxi fares in Hong Kong
Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok) - Central Hong Kong: HK$350 = SGD 57.00
2 trip AP settle our FULL DAY RENTAL LIAO. LIKE THAT NO AP SURCHARGE I ALSO GO QUEUE.
I like that so call luggage surcharge, it is very true, very pragmatic, the heavier the load the more fuel usage. Should charge pax accordingly, and will be more fair to those who do not carry heavy luggage, then when you pick up those with full shopping cart or moving house,....charge them heavily
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Last time when young time remember everytime we take taxi to AP when open boot must charge $1 more. Is it we kanna carrot? Go shopping also open boot only must pay $1 more although meter dun show any extra but the driver will collect. So sometimes I go out buy things dun dare to open boot every 5-6 plastic bag of groceries I also hand carry inside.
KNN now adays those NTUC plastic bag pax sometimes 2-3 plastics bag also open and put inside boot. But better then those fully loaded trolley super waste time. I see 100% siam. LOL
Should charge for open boot if not those cheapo suka suka use our boot. Waste time one leh. Not only waste our time but those in the queue also.
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Yah,yah. the best is the boot is not operate by us. And it comes with a coin slot (like the trolley in supermarket) insert coin to open boot.
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Originally posted by Cash Lee:
Yah,yah. the best is the boot is not operate by us. And it comes with a coin slot (like the trolley in supermarket) insert coin to open boot.
haha, brilliant idea, now, who said TDrivers are not innovative, actually we are much brilliant than most, just do not hv the toilet paper only.However, insert coin end up with the taxi companies, better insert into our pocket.
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Originally posted by hammerhammer8888:
Last time when young time remember everytime we take taxi to AP when open boot must charge $1 more. Is it we kanna carrot? Go shopping also open boot only must pay $1 more although meter dun show any extra but the driver will collect. So sometimes I go out buy things dun dare to open boot every 5-6 plastic bag of groceries I also hand carry inside.
KNN now adays those NTUC plastic bag pax sometimes 2-3 plastics bag also open and put inside boot. But better then those fully loaded trolley super waste time. I see 100% siam. LOL
Should charge for open boot if not those cheapo suka suka use our boot. Waste time one leh. Not only waste our time but those in the queue also.
Yes, see trolley only, put busy liao, i kenna once wet fish water dripped into the boot, go back kenna Fcuk by hirer hard hard...but later he said, I scold you because I want you to learn...I just knock my head lor. -
Originally posted by bowah:
I like that so call luggage surcharge, it is very true, very pragmatic, the heavier the load the more fuel usage. Should charge pax accordingly, and will be more fair to those who do not carry heavy luggage, then when you pick up those with full shopping cart or moving house,....charge them heavily
last time legal for luggage surcharge rite?yeap... should charge for the use of the boot...
dun know y a lot of pax dun know tat wish the boot juz open can liao... muz always open the door and "uncle.. open the boot pls..."
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TAXI the cheapest transport in Singapore.
taxi as courier services,
On-call upon reaching, uncle this carton and the invoice can you send to the address, turn-on your meter and collect the fare upon reaching, when the gentleman receive it.
Cargo unknown? no cannot.
taxi as pet ambulance,
On-call upon reaching, uncle with dog. sick fast go to hospital.
Dog cannot sorry,
taxi as property agent chaffeur.
On-call upon reachin uncle three stops, one stop you need to wait for a few minutes.
Kenna fooled, i will never do this again.
taxi as umbrella.
On-call upon reaching, uncle Ubi Ave 3, that the nearest MRT station Paya Lebar.
O... you took MRT now you called for rescue for your convenient. Big Umbrella. during heavy downpour.
Never take this kind of calls during rainy days, for sure
taxi as logitic transport vehicle.
On-call twice before one, at Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre, one at Victoria Dried Goods Centre.
Upon-reaching, cargo ready for you.
Case by case basis.
Never took them, Why? just simply shown then the little with sign, stated clearly.
1 passenger in front, 3 passengers behind.
This are only for passenger not cargo carrier.