Commuters
stick with taxis on Day 1 of fuel surcharge
A new, 30-cent fuel surcharge levied by Singapore's biggest cab
company does not seem to have turned commuters off taxis.
The surcharge, imposed on the back of rising diesel prices, came
into effect yesterday on all of ComfortDelGro's cabs. Its drivers
told The Straits Times that the increase has not hurt business.
Cabby Ken Chian, 39, said that while some passengers asked about
the extra 30 cents, there were no complains. "A few sounded quite
resigned and said they don't have a choice," said Mr Chian.
Diesel prices have jumped by more than 50% in the last six
months, putting pressure on cabbies and bus operators. Commuters
said they understand the predicament taxi drivers are in, and most
did not mind paying the extra 30 cents.
Mr Devdutt Sridharan, 23, an air force pilot, said: "It's a
resonable increase, especially with the rise in oil prices these
days." Some commuters, however, were concerned that they would have
to pay more in the future.
Housewife Rohani Nadir Mohammad, 47, said: "If they keep
increasing fares with these small levies, eventually, it will add
up to quite a hefty sum." In the wake of the ComfortDelGro
increase, three other operators - Premier Taxis, Trans-Cab and
Smart Taxis - have said they will follow suit.
The remaining two operators, SMRT and Prime Taxis, said they
have not yet decided on whether to go ahead with the surcharge.
When contacted yesterday, ComfortDelGro spokesman Tammy Tan said
it is too early to tell the impact of the surcharge on call
bookings.