not siding anyone, just saying a fair word.
to whomever TDs that bring wife, bring mistress, bring gf, bring
extra luggage, be it in front seat or in back boot, technically
speaking, when a customer board a cab, this customer is not just
paying for the destination, he or she is also paying for the
journey, factors like safety, peace of mind and privacy. even
entertainment if they want to listen to certain radio stations
along the way or some songs in their mp3 that they hope can plug
into the invehicle stereo. some take taxis to pass time or cool
down or collect themselves before an event like an interview, some
to avoid sweaty crowds, some just feel like talking to a stranger
longer without a fixed short destination. i ever met before an
older woman who sang old 30s 40s chinese tunes from journey start
to end, i dont understand a single word and she sang really loud
next to my ears, but shes still not shy. then she told me shes a
singer for those old style bars and needed the privacy that she
cannot get in buses and trains.
often TDs overlook these little details, assuming they are cheap
frills and not part of the ride itself. they are actually an
integral part of the ride, just that they are not spelt out
literally. thats another problem with SG, what is not said is often
assumed, thats not so bad but whats bad is, what is assumed is
usually in whose ever favor making that assumption! If someone
brings along a cute daughter or a big stuff toy, the customer
happens to enjoy and accept the style of that journey, then thats
pure good fortune for the TD. but dont mistake that as being right!
can anyone imagine sharing a table inside a fast food restaurant
with its manager sitting right next to you of all places, chewing
noisily on the same food that you paid for but the manager’s on the
house? thats why theres staff corners and staff quarters.
some people might counter to say, china taxi often have wife and
gf sitting inside so whats wrong. but the irony of that situation
is, they are there to help ensure the safety of their husbands and
bf who are the TDs! their presence is also some sort of an
assurance to the outside customers that this is a legitimate taxi
with a proper TD system!
to TS, on the other hand, in times of need and when theres
urgency and theres no other available transport, then your family
member has to start to weigh or narrow down his or her priority.
which is more important to him or her: the destination or the
journey? if its the destination, then once boarded, there shouldnt
be complain because the journey has already been accepted the way
it is. if journey is also important, then shouldnt board at all.
just wait for the next available ride. case close.
hope what i say wont offend anyone in particular. just my own 2
cents.
Ya well said. This is what I mean. Must be fair to the paying
pax.
