Flagdown will cost you
$5
But new Chrysler
taxis come with more legroom, friendly
cabbies:
WOULD you pay a $5 flagdown fare for a taxi? SMRT Taxis is
betting that some people would, especially with high-cachet events
such as Formula One next month and high-rollers expected with the
upcoming integrated resorts.
On Monday, its new Chrysler 300C taxis (picture) — bigger than
normal taxis and boasting more legroom — will take to the roads,
with friendly, service-oriented drivers behind the wheel.
Current bookings will cost $10, compared to $2.50 for normal
cabs, and advanced bookings $20. Indeed, with existing premium
Mercedes Benz and Hyundai Azera taxis here charging a$3.20 flagdown
fee, the Chrysler 300Cs — 100 vehicles will be“progressively”
introduced — look set to usher in a new phase of uber-luxurious
cabs.
SMRT is confident of the business potential of this premium
market segment, expecting to get most of its business from
corporate engagements, said a spokesperson.
It has been building its corporate and Mice business over the
last year, providing taxi services at events such as the Barclays
Golf Open, the Singapore Airshow and pop concerts such as Christina
Aguilera’s.
“We have been working closely with operators of airport and
ferry terminals, shopping malls, furniture malls and owners of
tourist attractions to provide chartered and shuttle taxi services
at their doorsteps,” said the spokesperson.
Chrysler drivers will have to meet more stringent criteria,
needing effective communication skills and “knowledge to be an
excellent host”.
The taxis will still ply the roads and pick up flagdown
passengers. Rates are $5 for the first kilometre or less, 30 cents
for every subsequent 385m for the next 10km, and 30 cents for every
330m thereafter.
Teacher Lee Wee Nee, 26, said she would not pay the flagdown fee
for a Chrysler cab, unless “I’m really very late and am desperate
or if other cab companies don’t respond”.
SMRT also announced that from Monday, there will be a 30-cent
fuel surcharge imposed for rides on its Hyundai Azera taxis that
run on compressed natural gas (CNG). Other diesel cabs levied the
surcharge from last month and CNG-fueled Smart Automobile taxis
from Aug 1.
