TAXI drivers are known to change shifts during the evening peak
hour of 5pm to 6pm and this probably contributes to the shortage of
cabs and longer waiting time during this period ("Longer waits for
cabs during peak hours in Orchard"; yesterday).
Cab drivers are known to change shifts at this time so that
drivers of both shifts get to "enjoy" the fares which this peak
period may generate.
The earlier driver would spend time looking for passengers whose
destination is along or near his changing-shift point. By the time
he hands over the taxi to the second driver, he would have lost out
on fares which he may have earned had he not spent time looking for
passengers who would go the same way as he was.
By the time the second driver takes over the cab and makes his
way out, time would also have passed which could have been used to
pick up passengers.
The Land Transport Authority may like to consider mandating that
shift changes not take place during cab peak hours of between 5pm
and 6pm and between 9pm and 10pm.
This may alleviate the problem of long waiting times at some
areas like Orchard, and increase the number of trips made by the
cab drivers.
Annie Ng (Ms)
Peak hour, roads all congested with cars. Knn, ask gahmen
go mandate people dun drive during these times lor.. Can anot?
What gahmen do? Increase ERP charges during super peak to
regulate traffic, tio boh?
So if peak is 5pm to 6pm, then bring forward 25% surcharge to
5pm lor.
Morning super peak 6 am to 9.30 am surcharge increase to 35% to
compensate day drivers who then need to change shift earlier at 4
pm.
Why penalize taxi drivers?
There is nothing that $$$ cannot solve, at least for tis
gahmen.
