The Consise Singapore Taxis Newcomers
Guide
Singapore Taxis @ sgForums Newcomer Guide
Author: STN
Source of information: Singapore Taxis @ sgForums, Wikipedia, Land
Transport Authority and respective car manufacturers
websites
Source of photo (tentatively) : STN
Contents:
1. Introduction and Framework of Singapore Taxis
2. Existing types and models of taxis
3. History of Singapore Taxis
4. Fares
5. Technicals and specifications
6. Miscellaneous, glossary and external resources
------------------------------------------
1. Introduction and Framework of
Singapore Taxis
Welcome to Singapore Taxis!
Here in Singapore, taxis are the easiest way to travel. They are
economical, speedy and easily available on demand as compared to
buses and trains.
Such advantages made taxi travel very popular among the Singapore
population.
To cater the popularity and the demand of Singapore taxis,
currently there are 7 taxi companies, a group of private operators
and a cross-border taxi organization.
The names of taxi companies/operators are as follows:
1. Comfort (ComfortDelgro)
2. CityCab (ComfortDelgro)
3. Yellow Top Cab (ComfortDelgro)
4. Singapore Taxi Transport Association (ComfortDelgro)
5. SMRT Taxis (SMRT)
6. TransCab (Union Energy)
7. Smart (Smart Automobile)
8. Premier (Premier Taxis)
In addition, there is Singapore Johore Taxi Service, operated on
the agreement of allowing Singaporean and Malaysian cabbies to
operate taxis between Singapore (Ban San Street) and Johor Bahru
(Kota Raya 2/Larkin). Singaporean cabbies operating the service
came from the 7 companies and use the taxis of their respective
company (no special taxis). Malaysian cabbies uses special
taxis
---------------------------------------
2. Existing types and models
of Singapore taxis as at 2 March 2007
Comfort
--- Toyota Crown mk2 (4 seater; 1996 - )
--- Hyundai Sonata 4th generation CRDI (4 seater; 2006 - )
(note: by now all Toyota Corona CT141 taxis have gone MIA. not sure
if all these are retired and scrapped.)
CityCab
--- Toyota Crown mk2 (4 seater; 1996 - )
--- Nissan Cedric Y31 (4 seater; 1990s - )
--- Hyundai Sonata 4th generation CRDI (4 seater, 2006 - )
--- Mercedes Benz E220 CDI (4 seater, 1990s - ) (prestige)
--- Mercedes Benz Vito 115 CDI Maxicab (7 seaters, late 1990s -
)
Yellow Top Cab
--- Toyota Crown (4 seater, 1996 - )
--- Mercedes Benz E220 CDI (4 seater, current ones are 200? - )
(soverign)
--- Volvo V70 (2005 - )
--- the unidentified solo VW (200? - )
--- Toyota Liteace (2005 - )
Singapore Taxi Transport Association
(note: by now all Toyota Corona CT141 taxis have gone MIA. not sure
if all these are retired and scrapped.)
--- Toyota Corona (newer model)
--- Toyota Crown mk2 (4 seater, 1996 - )
--- Nissan Cedric (4 seater, 1990s - )
--- Fiat Panorama 1.4 petrol (2006 - )
--- Fiat Croma JTD (7 seater, 2006 - )
--- Mitsubishi Colt (2007 - )
SMRT Taxis
--- Toyota Crown mk2 (4 seater, 1996 - )
--- Nissan Cedric Y31 (4 seater, 1990s - )
--- Mercedes Benz E220 CDI (4 seater, current ones are 200? - )
(presido)
--- London Taxis LTI (7 seater, current ones are from 1997 -
)
--- Ssangyong Rodius SV270 XDI (7 seater, 2006 - )
Transcab
--- Toyota Crown mk2 (4 seater, 2003 - )
Smart
--- Toyota Crown mk2 (4 seater, 2003 - )
--- Skoda Superb TDI (4 seater, 2006 - )
--- Volkswagen Touran (7 seater, 2006 - )
--- Mercedes Benz E200 NGT bifuel (4 seater, 2006 - )
Premier
--- Toyota Crown mk2 (4 seater, 2003 - )
--- Mercedes Benz E220 CDI (4 seater, 2005 - ) (silverline)
--- Nissan Cedric Y31 (4 seater, 2003 - )
--- Skoda Superb TDI (4 seater, 2006 - ) (note: white in
colour)
--- Hyundai Azura aka Hyundai Grandeur, 4th generation (4 seater,
2007 - )
-------------------------------------------
3. History of Singapore Taxis
Before 1970s --- No apparent proper organization of taxis in
Singapore
--- Pirate taxis, operated by individuals using generally old
vehicles and charging exorbitantly high fares, existed. This caused
a severe competition with bus services for passengers, as well as
putting passengers lives at risk.
October 1970 --- Comfort Taxis was formed, as significant part of
an operation to eradicate pirate taxis
1976 --- Radio phone service for taxis introduced
August 1979 --- Dial-a-cab service introduced. (The dial-a-cab
service was computerized in 1990)
June 1981 --- All mechanical meters in taxis were replaced by
electronic meters
January 1984 --- NTUC Comfort Training School was set up to train
would-be cabbies
1989 --- TIBS Taxis was formed
1991 --- premier taxi services started by TIBS Taxis with Mercedes
and Londoncabs
1995 --- Citycab formed from Singapore Airport Bus Services (SABS),
SBS Taxis and Singapore Commuter taxis
March 1996 --- Yellow Top Cab was formed. Comfort Cablink dispatch
system introduced.
1997 --- Start of Sovereign Limo taxis by Yellow Top Cab
1998 --- Taxi fares deregulated, taxi companies can set their own
fares based on market conditions
--- Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system was introduced, passenger
to borne ERP charges
2003 --- 3 more taxi operator licenses granted to 3 new operators.
From there on, the total number of taxi operator licenses was
7.
--- Quality of Service standards for Taxis introduced
--- Vocation License Point System introduced in June of that
year
--- Singapore Taxi Academy formed in July of that year to train
professional cabbies
2004 --- Premier, TransCab and SMART taxis commenced
operations
--- TIBS Taxis renamed SMRT taxis on 10 May 2004, together with its
mother company Trans Island Bus Services (bus services renamed SMRT
Buses)
December 2005 --- all taxis switched to use Euro IV standard
diesel. All new taxis introduced are required to satisfy EURO IV
standards
November 2006 --- NETS payment for taxi fares introduced
--------------------------------------------------
4. Fares
Fares stated below are for basic/commuter services. STTA fares ---
please refer to the attached picture below for fares.
Flagdown rate:
CityCab, Comfort (Toyota models), Yellow Top Cab, TransCab, SMRT
Taxis and SMART --- $2.5 up to first 1km
Comfort (Hyundai Sonata) --- $2.7 up to first 1km
Premier Taxis --- $2.6 up to first 1km
Meter rate:
Citycab, Comfort, Yellow Top Cab, Transcab, SMRT
--- $0.1 for ever 210m thereafter or less after 1km and up to
10km
--- $0.1 for every 175m thereafter or less after 10km
Smart, Premier
--- $0.1 every 225m thereafter or less after 1km and up to
10km
--- $0.1 every 200m thereafter or less after 10km
STTA fares:
Waiting:
$0.1 every 25sec or less
Booking:
$4.00 for 0730 0930 and 1700 2300, Monday to Friday
$2.50 for all other times including Public Holidays
$5.20 for advance booking (at least 30min in advance)
Peak Hours surcharge:
$2.00 for 0730 0930 and 1700 2000
Late night surcharge:
CityCab, Comfort, Yellow Top Cab, TransCab and SMRT
--- 10% of meter for 2330 2344
--- 20% of meter for 2345 2359
--- 35% of meter for 0000 0059
--- 50% of meter for 0100 0600
Smart, Premier --- 50% of meter for 0000 0600
Public Holiday surcharge:
$1.00 (1800h of eve to 2400h of New Year Day, Hari Raya Puasa,
Deepavali, Christmas and first 2 days of Chinese New Year. If
public holiday falls on Sunday, surcharge will be imposed till
2400h on Monday.)
CBD surcharge:
CityCab, Comfort, Yellow Top Cab, TransCab, SMRT Taxis
--- $1 (1700 2000 on mon-thu and 1700 2300 on fri-sat excluding
PH)
Smart, Premier
--- $1 (1700 2000 on mon-thu and 1700 0000 for fri-sat
excluding PH)
Locations surcharge:
$5 for trips starting from Changi Airport at 1700 0000
fri-sun
$3 for trips starting from Chnagi Airport at all other times
$3 for trips starting from Seletar Airport
$2 for trips starting from Singapore EXPO
Other surcharges:
1. ERP surcharges to be borne by customer
2. $0.3 administrative charge for payment made using NETS
3. +10% administrative change on total fare if payment is made
using credit/charge cards. GST charged on top of the 10%
administrative charge.
Higher fares for premium taxi services. Please check with
respective taxi companies (see links below) for premium services
fares.
----------------------------
5. Technicals and
Specifications
Technicals
How a taximeter works (wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taximeter#Work_cycle
)
How dispatching is done (wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxicab#Dispatching
)
Hiring a taxi (wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxicab#Hiring
)
Note that turning indicators are on the dashboard. Fare meters and
aircon to the left of the dashboard. Receipt printer is before the
gear shift joystick.
Specifications of taxi models
Toyota Crown mk2
Comfort
Model name: YXS10/LXS10
Engine: 3YPE
Fuel: Diesel
Horsepower 58kw/79PS/4400rpm
Turning radius 5.1m
Net weight: 1310 1320kg
Max total weight: 1640 1650kg
Exterior length: 4695mm
Exterior width: 1695mm
Exterior height: 1515mm
Lowest distance from floor: 165mm
Interior length: 2060mm
Interior width: 1455mm
Interior height: 1225mm
Toyota Corona
CT141
Model name: CT141
Engine: ???
Fuel: diesel
Other specifications not available as at press time
Nissan Cedric Y31
Sedan/Hardtop
Engine(s): 2.0L VG20E
3.0L VG30E
3.0L VG30ET Turbocharged
Other specifications not available as at press time
Hyundai Sonata fourth
generation
Engine: 16-valve 2.0L
2.4L, 166ps at 5,800rpm
3.3L lambda V6, 247hp
Transmission: 4speed auto overdrive
5speed auto overdrive
5speed auto overdrive
Wheelbase: 107.4in (2727mm)
Length: 188.9in (4798mm)
Width: 72.1in (1831mm)
Height: 58.0in (1473mm)
Fiat
panorama
Length: 3924 mm/154 in
Engine(s): three options of engine 1048 cc/65 in³ gasoline with a
power of 57 CV/56 hp/42 kW and 1297 cc/80 in³ gasoline or alcohol
with a power of 61 CV/60 hp/45 kW and 62 CV/61 hp/46 kW
respectively) and two versions: C and CL. The 1050 engine was
available only to the C version.
Fiat
Croma
Engines: five engine options, petrol engines were supplied by Opel,
beginning with the brand new evolution of the Ecotec 1.8 L with 140
PS (103 kW), followed by the torquier 2.2 L with 147 PS (108 kW).
However, the bulk of the sales is represented by Fiat's own
Multijet engine, available in three variants 1.9 L with 8 valves
and 120 PS (88 kW), 1.9 L with 16 valves and 150 PS (110 kW), and
the range topper five-cylinder 2.4 L, with 200 PS (147 kW). The
Diesel engines are fitted with a standard six-speed manual
gearbox.
Fiat
Doblo
Payload: up to 730kg
interior volume: 3.2m3
Engines: uses a range of engines including the 1.4 petrol, 1.9
MultiJet, and 1.3 MultiJet 16 valve models.
LTI
TX1
4 door sedan
Stylish exterior redesign, maintaining the traditional London taxi
form
A more ergonomic interior, providing greater comfort to the
driver.
Optional air-conditioning to keep the driver cool
Highly visible controls within easy reach
Suspension built to a rugged, tough design that provides a smooth
ride.
Eleven-stage, full-dip electophoretic paint process that bonds to
every square millimetre of steel exposed to the air
Body crumple zones are engineered to absorb any impact.
Foam-reinforced bumpers to the front and rear
Tinted and laminated windscreen; 48% bigger than the Fairway - for
better visibility and safety
Removable security screen between driver and passenger
Central control of all locks on all doors
Door-mounted switch to lock the front doors only
Three-point inertia reel seat belts for all passenger seats
Integral built-in child seat so that children can travel in
absolute safety
European M1 Whole Vehicle Type Approval, ensuring compliance with
safety, environmental and other laws
Extra wide passenger doors which open 90° - 44% larger rear door
aperture than the Fairway
Truly accessible to all people, whether wheelchairs users,
mobility-limited or visually-impaired
Ssangyong Rodius
SV270
Driven wheel: 2WD or TOD
Transmission: AT or MT
Overall length: 5125mm
Overall height: 1820mm
Overall width: 1915mm
Front tread: 1590mm
Rear tread: 1580mm
Front overhang: 980mm
Rear overhang: 1145mm
Wheelbase: 3000mm
Approach angle: 19.2
Departure angle: 18.7
Ramp angle: 17
Braked min clearance: 182mm
Unbraked min clearance: 224mm
Hill start ability in degrees: 23.3 (2WD) 32.2 (TOD-MT) 31.4
(TOD-AT)
Gross vehicle weight: 2750kg (2WD) 2850kg (TOD)
Gross trailer weight: 2500kg (2WD) 2850kg (TOD)
Curb vehicle weight: 2007-2106kg (2WD-MT) 2034-2134kg (2WD-AT)
2117-2217KG (TOD-MT) 2142-2244KG (TOD-AT)
Gear ratios:
First: 4.315 (2wd-mt) 3.595 (2wd-at) 4.315 (tod-mt) 3.595
(tod-at)
Second: 2.475 (2wd-mt) 2.186 (2wd-at) 2.475 (tod-mt) 2.186
(tod-at)
Third: 1.536 (2wd-mt) 1.405 (2wd-at) 1.536 (tod-mt) 1.405
(tod-at)
Fourth: 1.000 (2wd-mt) 1.000 (2wd-at) 1.000 (tod-mt) 1.000
(tod-at)
Fifth: 0.807 (2wd-mt) 0.831 (2wd-at) 0.807 (tod-mt) 0.831
(tod-at)
Reverse first: 3.919 (2wd-mt) 3.167 (2wd-at) 3.919 (tod-mt) 3.167
(tod-at)
Reverse second: nil (2wd-mt) 1.926 (2wd-at) nil (tod-mt) 1.926
(tod-at)
engines are the Mercedes-Benz licenced 3.2 L 6-cylinder petrol
engine (162kW & 309Nm) and the 2.7 L 5-cylinder common rail
diesel engine (121kW & 342Nm)
Fuel: diesel
Capacity: 2696cc
Bore x stroke: 86.2mm x 92.4mm
Compression ration in mm: 17.5:1
Number of cylinders: 5 in-line
Maximum power: 121kW/165ps/4000rpm
Maximum torque: 340Nm/34.7kg/1800~3250rpm
Maximum speed: 169kmh (2wd-mt) 174kmh (2wd-at) 169kmh (tod-mt)
174kmh (tod-at)
CO1 (g/km) : 223 (2wd-mt) 222 (2wd-at) 238 (tod-mt) 249
(tod-at)
Fuel consumption litre/km (urban) 11.4 (2wd-mt) 11.2 (2wd-at) 12.1
(tod-mt) 12.8 (tod-at)
(extra urban) 7.2 (2wd-mt) 7.3 (2wd-at) 7.7 (tod-mt) 8.1
(tod-at)
(combined) 8.8 (2wd-mt) 8.7 (2wd-at) 9.3 (tod-mt) 9.8
(tod-at)
Chassis:
Steering --- rack and pinion
Suspension --- double wishbone in front, multi-link suspension at
rear
Skoda
superb
Exterior dimensions:
Length: 4803 mm
Widht: 1765 mm
Height: 1469 mm
Wheel base: 2803 mm
Wheel track front: 1515 mm
Wheel track rear: 1515 mm
Clearance: 148 mm
Interior dimensions:
Legroom front max./min.: 1132/903 mm
Legroom rear max./min.: 1006/757 mm
Elbow room front/rear: 1459/1436 mm
Headroom front/rear: 1005/964mm
Luggage storage space:
- basic (l) 462
- maximum luggage storage space with seats down (l) 945
Engines: TDI engines
Possible engine specifications: dynamic 6-cylinder 2.5 TDI, 120 kW
engine or 1.9 TDI/85 kW with pump-nozzle technology. All the
engines meet the EU4 standards.
Gearbox: Depending on the engine, the Superb is equipped with a
five- or six-speed gearbox. For both 6-cylinder engines, but also
for the 1.8T, an automatic Tiptronic transmission is
available.
Volkswagen
Touran
Class: Compact MPV
Body style: 5-door MPV
Layout: FF Layout
Wheelbase: 2680mm
Length: 4405mm
Width: 1795mm
Height: 1635mm
Possible engines: 1.4 TSI 140 hp (with a twincharger - delivered
from summer 2006)
1.6 102 hp
1.6 FSI 115 hp
2.0 FSI 150 hp
1.9 TDI 90 or 105 hp (Diesel)
2.0 TDI 136/140 hp (Diesel)
2.0 TDI 170 hp (Diesel) (new for summer 2006)
2.0 EcoFuel 109 hp (CNG)
transmission: The car is delivered with a 5- or 6-speed manual
transmission, Tiptronic automatic transmission (only in
1.6-version) or the Direct-Shift Gearbox automatic
transmission.
Mercedes Benz E200
NGT
Engine: 4-cylinder
Configuration: in-line
Valvetrain: 4
Displacement (litres): 1.796
Compression ratio: 9.5
Net power: 163hp/5500rpm
Max Torque: 2400Nm/3500rpm
Fuel: Natural Gas
Performance 0-100km/h: 10.8secs
Drag cofficient 0.27
Steering --- turning circle: 11.4m
Wheels: 7J x 16 ET 33, 16
Tires: 205/60 R
Exterior dimensions --- wheelbase 2854mm
--- length 4852mm
--- width 1822/2063mm
--- height 1484mm
--- track front 1557mm
--- track rear 1570mm
Mercedes Benz E220
CDI
Engine: 4-cylinder
Configuration: in-line
Valvetrain: 4
Displacement (litres): 1.796
Bore/stroke (mm): 82.0/85.0
Compression ratio: 8.5
Net Power: 184hp/5500rpm
Max torque: 250Nm/3500-4000rpm
Performance --- 0-100km/h 9.4secs
--- Drag coefficient 0.27
--- fuel consumption 12.1-12.6 litres/100km in city
6.5 6.8 litres/100km in highway
Steering: Speed-sensitive power steering
Turning circle: 11.4m
Wheels: 7J x 16
Tires: 205/60R 16
Weight: 1580kg
Trunk: 540m3
Fuel tank: 65 litres
Exterior dimensions:
Wheelbase --- 2854mm
Length --- 4856mm
Width --- 1822mm
Height --- 1483mm
Track: front --- 1577mm
Track: rear --- 1570mm
Overhang: front --- 865mm
Overhang: rear --- 1133mm
Interior dimensions:
Headroom: front --- 993mm
Headroom: rear --- 961mm
Legroom: front --- 278mm
Legroom: rear --- 360mm
Hiproom: front --- 509mm
Hiproom: rear --- 501mm
Shoulder-room: front --- 1432mm
Shoulder-room: rear --- 1424mm
Mercedes Benz Vito Panel
Van 111 CDI long
Engine:
Model range ---- OM646 DE22LA
Engine capacity --- 2148 cm3
Output --- 80 kW (109 hp) at 3800 rpm
Max. torque --- 290 Nm at 1600-2400 rpm
Batteries --- 12 V / 74 Ah
Perfomance data
Acceleration --- 13.6 sec
Vmax --- 162 km/h
Drivetrain
Drive --- Rear-wheel drive
Gearbox --- Mechanical, six-speed
Gear ratio --- 5.014; 2.831; 1.789; 1.256; 1.0; 0.797 R 4.569
Suspension
Front axle --- Independent wheel suspension; McPherson axle with
stabiliser, coil springs, shock absorbers
Rear axle --- Independent wheel suspension; Semitrailing-arm axle
with coil springs, shock absorbers
Wheels --- Steel rims 6J x 16 H2; tires 195/65 R 16 C
Steering --- rack-and-pinion
Brakes --- Dual-circuit system, 4 disc brakes, internally
ventilated in front, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with
Anti-lock-Braking System (ABS), Acceleration-Skid-Control (ASR),
Brake Assist (BAS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution
(EBD)
Weight ratings in kg
Payload --- 1,440
Permissible axle load (FA/RA) --- 1,550/1,550
Gross weight rating --- 2,940
Hyundai Azera (4th
generation)
Class: Large executive car
Body style: 4-door sedan
Engine: 3.8 L Lambda V6
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 2780 mm (109.4 in)
Length: 4985 mm (192.7 in)
Width: 1850 mm (72.8 in)
Height: 1490 mm (58.7 in)
----------------------------------------
6. Miscellaneous, Glossary and
External Resources
(1)some notes about Singapore taxis
---All taxis are fitted with electronic meters
---All taxis are air-conditioned
---90% of taxis have radiophone
---Call bookings are done via GPS or digital voice dispatch
(2)official statistics of Singapore taxis as at November 2006
One-shift taxi
--- Average number of daily trips: 23.8
--- Average engaged mileage per trip (km): 9.0
two-shift taxi
--- average number of daily trips: 33.0
--- average engaged mileage per trip (km): 9.3
taxi fleet
--- comfort: 10156
--- CityCab: 4251
--- SMRT: 3018
--- Yellow Top Cab: 795
--- Individual Yellow Top: 586
--- Smart: 755
--- TransCab: 2040
--- premier: 1781
--- total: 23382
Taxi drivers vocational license
--- numbers issued: 333
--- total number of valid TDVL holders: 87491
(3) Addresses of taxi companies
SMART Automobile Pte Ltd
1301, Bedok North Ave 4, Singapore 489945
TransCab Services Pte Ltd
17, Defu Lane 12
Singapore 539125
Premier Taxi Pte Ltd
14 Chang Charn Road
Singapore 159642
SMRT Taxis Pte Ltd
60, Woodlands industrial park E4
Singapore 757705
Citycab Pte Ltd
302, Sin Ming Road
Singapore 575717
Comfort Transportation Pte Ltd & Yellowtop Cab Pte Ltd
383, Sin Ming Drive
Singapore 575717
(4) guidelines on taking a taxi
1) Hitch a taxi from taxi stand or a safe place (road kerbs etc).
Or call for a cab.
2) It is preferred for passengers to tell the cabbies their
destinations in English.
3) Fasten seat belts.
4) Inform the cabby if you want to open the window for ventilation
purposes.
5) (under review)
6) Do keep to good behaviour whenever possible.
7) Pay fairly according to meter (or according to what the cabby
says)
8 ) Ask for receipts.
9) Check if you have left things behind inside a taxi
10) should you flagged down a split-shift taxi, do note the
split-shift desto. i.e if the desto says Hougang, then your
destination using that split-shift taxi will have to be
Hougang.
(5) guidelines on compliments, feedbacks or complaints
1. you can first contact the respective taxi companies
directly
2. or, write your compliments/feedbacks/complaints to press
3. in extreme cases, contact Land Transport Authority or Singapore
Tourism Board.
(6) guidelines on becoming a cabby
http://www.lta.gov.sg/public_transport/index_pt_taxi.htm
http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/lta_information_guidelines/faqs/other_faqs/faqs3.html
(7) guidelines on posting in Singapore Taxis @ sgForums
(under review............)
VII. STN sincerely hope that you could have a pleasant stay
here.
(8 ) Guidelines on taking taxi photos
1) Pick a good location (such as taxi stands) to take photos of
taxis.
2) (under review)
3) Safety first. DO NOT RUSH OUT ONTO THE
ROAD JUST TO TAKE PHOTOS OF TAXIS
4) Use a camera that has fast response (i.e. Canon Powershot A540)
if you need to take photos of fast moving taxis.
5) Try to take note of special features (i.e. on-call signs, change
shift signs, special emblems)
6) It is recommended to put your signature tag on your photographs
as a mark of copyright. A suggestion: put signature tags at corners
of the photograph.
7) Turn off any click sounds if possible.
Anyway, with immediate effect, you may post URL links to taxi
videos/audio clips.
(9) Singapore Johor Taxi Service: How should you take it?
The Singapore - Johore taxi service, starting from Queen Street
(Ban San Street Bus/Taxi terminal) and ending at Johor Bahru
(Larkin Bus/Taxi Terminal or Kota Raya 2 "Plaza Bakti" Bus/Taxi
Terminal), provides a swift connection between Singapore and Johor
Bahru.
It is typically ran by the yellow Malaysian taxis, although there
were some Singaporean taxis involved in such services.
The fare would be S$40.
It would take on a route similar to the Singapore - Johore Express
bus, that is, Queen Street - Bt Timah Road/Novena - Stevens Road -
BKE - JB.
Finally, as for immigration formalities involved for SG-JB taxi
passengers, it would be the same as cars, while cabby hands over
his and the passengers' passports for inspection. Note that
passengers does not need to alight during the formalities. (info
from STN)
(10) Taxi rego series
SH***: SJE, Sentosa buses
SH1*** to SH5***: Comfort Yellow Top
SH6*** to SH9***: NTUC Comfort
SHA***: Citycab
SHA1*** to SHA7***: NTUC Comfort
SHA8*** to SHA9***: Citycab
SHB*** to SHB1***: SMRT
SHB2*** to SHB3***: Citycab
SHB4000 to SHB4499: NTUC Comfort
SHB4500 to SHB4999: Citycab
SHB5***: SMRT
SHB6***: Comfort Yellow Top
SHB7000 to SHB7499: Smart Automotive
SHB7500 to SHB7999: Transcab
SHB8***: Premier Taxis
SHB9***: Transcab
SHC1 to 500: Citycab
SHC501 and above: ???
(11) Split shift
When a particular taxicab was driven by 2 (or more) cabbies, split
shift is required so that the first cabby can hand-over his/her
taxicab to the second driver. Usually split shift will be done at
fixed timing and at a fixed place, on agreement between 2 (or more)
cabbies.
To see if a taxi is on split-shift, look out for destos hung on the
windscreen (or the EDS if the taxi is equipped with EDS desto). It
will tell you exactly where this taxi wants to go.
If you are going to places which this particular taxi does not
intend to serve, wait for another taxi.
So far, the known destos are: Toa Payoh, Jurong, Hougang
(12) Phone numbers of taxi companies
Citycab
--- Current and Advance booking: 6552 2222 (also for Dial-a-Limo,
Airport Transfer Service)
--- FastCall: 6454 2222
--- Other contacts (i.e for travel-related services): 6454
8051/52/53 (0700 2300) and 9816 6473 (2301 0659)
---Cabby Tour booking: 6542 5831 / 6542 8297
Comfort/Yellow Top Cab
--- Dial-a-cab: 6552 1111 / 6552 2222
--- FastCall: 6454 2222
--- Send-a-taxi: dial *654 via your mobile phone
--- Soverign Limo taxi booking: 6552 2828
--- Soverign Limo taxi information: 6550 8625 / 8689
--- Others: 6555 1188
--- Taxi tourist guide service in English: 9181 7011
--- Taxi tourist guide service in Mandarin: 9828 1278 or 9766
8898
--- Drink Jockey Service: 6552 0700
Premier Taxis
--- Silverline Booking: 6363 6888
--- others: 6476-8880
Smart Automobile
--- tel: 6485 7700
--- Book a taxi (green taxi) 6485 7777 (24hrs)
--- Book a taxi (limo): 6485 7799 (24hrs)
SMRT
--- Book SMRT taxis(taxi contact center): 6555 8888
--- Limo from CGA: 65457525 / 65454616
--- Limo from TMFT: 65457927
--- Limo from Harbourfront center: 6278 8762
TransCab
--- booking hotline: 6555 3333
--- lost and found, feedback, complains: 6555 6666
--- general enquiries: 6287 6666
STTA: refer to the attached fare table above.
(13) How to identify a Soverign, a Presido, and SMART
BI-FUELs?
Since there are lots of totally white taxis running around, so STN
have prepared this tip for taxi spotters
Soverign (Yellow Top Cab) : look for the "Soverign" wordings at the
FRONT doors
Presido (SMRT Taxis) : look for the "Presido" wordings at the REAR
doors
SMART BI-FUELs: Look for the "green leaf" sticker at the REAR
doors
(14) Links and External resources
Singapore Taxis @ sgForums: http://taxis.sgforums.com
Singapore Taxis @ sgWiki: http://www.sgwiki.com/wiki/Taxis
Question on taxis:
http://taxis.sgforums.com/?action=thread_display&thread_id=220840
or
http://taxis.sgforums.com/?action=thread_display&thread_id=136702
CityCab: http://www.citycab.com.sg/index.htm
Comfort/Yellow Top Cab: http://www.comfort-transportation.com.sg/
Premier Taxis: http://www.premiertaxi.com/
Smart Automobiles: http://www.smartcab.com.sg/
SMRT Taxis: http://www.smrt.com.sg/taxis.html
TransCab: http://www.transcabservices.com.sg/
Wikipedia article about taxis in Singapore: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxi_transport_in_Singapore
LTA: http://www.lta.gov.sg
One.Motoring: http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en.html
Wikipedia article about taxicab: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxicab
Wikipedia article about Singapore license plates: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_licence_plates
First draft (text) completed by STN at 2001h of 2007 02 15
Updated by STN at 1922h of 2007 03 02
