from ST, page H2
In the latest effort to rent out more taxis, 2 of the fastest
growing cab comanies, namely SMRT and Premier Taxis (Silvercab) are
offering their drivers cash incentives to recruit new
cabbies.
SMRT
SMRT pays cabbies $30/month up to 12 months for every new driver he
is able to recruit and hire a new cab. the new cabby will also get
$30/month.
2nd referral: $20/month
3rd and above referral: $10/month
The scheme commences today (19 Sept 2005)
Premier
Taxis
Premier Taxis pays cabbies and new recruits $20/month for an
indefinite term when a recruiter finds a new cabby.
The "taxi scout" for 1st driver gets another $15/month if his
recruit recruits another new cabby., and $10/month more if the 3rd
driver recruits a new cabby, like a chain reaction. Premier Taxis
has 745 taxis currently.
The Scheme has began in May 2005.
SMRT Taxis VP Oh Seong Tatt describes this scheme as a way to help
cabbies earn extra incomeand team-bonding. Cabbies are taught
coaching/ listening skills to mentor their charges (recruits) from
dropping out.
This scheme is also largly due to the alarming large number of idle
cabs cab companies has inside their garage.
SMRT has 300 idle cabs (10%) currently. Total idle cabs in
Singapore is 1500 taxis (7% of total population). this equates to
S$1 million revenue loss/week.
ComfortDelgro, who has 16,000 taxis, rewards each cabby and his new
recruit $500 each, if the recruit stays for more than 6
months.
ON the other hand, TRANSCAB, who has 1275 taxis all rented out,
faces no shortage of hirers/drivers. it even has 100 potential new
drivers on a waiting list to hire its cabs
