Fare difference can be more than $10

j007 SG

Varying rates can mean big gap in what commuters pay for same ride

THE difference in cab fares from Dover to Changi can be as much as $12, thanks to the varying flagdown and metered fare structures of taxis here.

Commuters have long bemoaned the confusion that the array of rates has caused, with 10 different taxi flag-down fares ranging from $3 to $5.

And that is not including more than 10 different kinds of surcharges, and the fact that cab companies can adjust their fares on their own, and often do it quietly.

Only one out of 10 regular cab commuters interviewed was able to give the correct range, while six thought that the highest flagdown fare was $3.80.

Commuters' frustrations have led Senior Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo to acknowledge in Parliament recently that the current fare structure is "complex and confusing", and that the authorities will study how to allow for easy fare comparison across the six companies.

Marketing executive Keith Tan, 24, who takes taxis five times a week, said: "I usually find out the flag-down fare only after I get into the taxi. Even if it's expensive, I just go with it if I'm in a rush."

While the difference in flag-down fare and metered fare increase is between a few cents and $2, the difference can be felt when the distance travelled is long.

A taxi ride in a Comfort Toyota Crown from Dover to Changi costs $23.60, while the same ride in an SMRT Chrysler 300C would cost $35.90.

Regular taxi commuter, auditor Toh Huey Sun, 25, feels more can be done to inform the public about fares, which are currently only published on the taxi companies' websites and carried on the taxis' window displays.

"Maybe taxis can display the fare they charge on top of their cabs, along with the hired/available status," she said.

Some cabbies, like Mr Francis Chia, 56, who drives a Chrysler, go the extra mile to let their passengers know the rates before the journey starts. Others, like Mr Woo Chong Guan, 52, do not even get a chance.

"I've had passengers skip my taxi and go to the cheaper models behind," said Mr Woo, who drives an SMRT Chevrolet Epica.

But while commuters want a standardised fare, drivers still need to recoup the higher rentals for newer models, pointed out adviser to the National Taxi Association Ang Hin Kee.

"We have to tackle the problem from all sides, which includes the rental structure and not just fares alone," said the MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC.

Standardising fares would also require government intervention in the currently deregulated industry, said National University of Singapore transport economist Anthony Chin.

"If we want to control flagdown fares and prices, we have to regulate. So, we have to decide: Are taxis public transport?"

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foolsh_2000 SG

No taxis r not public transport cos gotta pay ERP and cannot use bus lanes.TD also not employ by coy?

Samsun SG

Knn... Sibeh bullshit report lah....just hyping it up

Why compare the cheapest going to extinct crown with the blackies which seldom sweep the streets???

If u compare crown to epica or i40....knn, the diff at most $1 nia wat.....

j007 SG

Every week got news about fares confusion, ah gong sure do something

Tiongpengk1 SG

A taxi ride in a Comfort Toyota Crown from Dover to Changi costs $23.60, while the same in an SMRT Chrysler 300C would cost $35.90.

bowah SG

Higher fares of taxi is due to new COEs, who gain? Govt

Higher rental of taxi is due to higher cost of taxi, who gain? Govt

Higher cost for both taxi drivers and paxs because taxi companies wants to earn money,
with it most of these companies are govt link under shareholders and also higher profit before income tax is a gain gain for Govt. Higher profit equal higher corporate taxation, who gain? Govt

Higher penalty for fines and speeding on the road and by higher the cost of rental, taxi drivers must work longer, stress and get tired, will tend to commit traffic offences, and once convicted, kenna fine..who gain? Govt

Tiongpengk1 SG

Higher fares of taxi is due to new COEs, who gain? Govt

Higher rental of taxi is due to higher cost of taxi, who gain? Govt

u speed they ask y u speed. along enous to hougang ave 3 I can see 3 type of speed limit from 50 to 70. driver will be confuse ,same go to bus lane yellow and red. so must remember the rule not to confuse so that u will break rule and get fine.

Diablo9898 SG

Then don't speed lor... but then if you chose to speed and make yourself confused, don't blame others but yourself lor.. Simply rules and laws are ther for ppl to follow, but is you chose to flout them, they will then have the opportunity to punish you or not... Driving a taxi is to make a living and not to challenge them.. just drive honestly lar... we can never beat ghem one lah...

bowah SG

Well, mostly after you beat a red light and get $200 plus 12 points gone, then maybe you learned, but definitely a costly lesson, however, you truly learned. In town, just travel within 50 to 60 or even at time 70 is ok, on highway, just got 80 to 100 is fine, anything +10km more is quite safe, the most you get a warning only, like 80, you go 88, warning, one more chance.