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vince123123
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Saw this article published in Today.
Some thoughts that came to mind:
1. How does imposing a S$2 surcharge help? Instead of the car-pooling effect that occurs when people share cabs, more demand is created for individual cabs. Of course the counter argument is that the cabby loses his flag down fare - but think of it this way, as a shared cab, the driver can get two or more assured fares instead of one (where he will have to drive around after that looking for a fare).
2. If Taxi drivers are allowed to turn on the meters at the time of advance booking, does this mean that a passenger can also get a reduction in fare where the taxi driver shows up late?
3. Taxi companies are in for the rental, and are unlikely to want to take on the administrative burden of collecting booking fees in default. Legal action for S$3 is hardly worth pursuing - which is why companies do the blacklist method now.
4. Isn't a minimum fare almost the same as a flag down fare? Increasing airport trips to S$15 just means more taxis will camp at the airport and not return to the city, where demand is greatest. See the long queues of taxis at the airport and you'll know.
Some thoughts that came to mind:
1. How does imposing a S$2 surcharge help? Instead of the car-pooling effect that occurs when people share cabs, more demand is created for individual cabs. Of course the counter argument is that the cabby loses his flag down fare - but think of it this way, as a shared cab, the driver can get two or more assured fares instead of one (where he will have to drive around after that looking for a fare).
2. If Taxi drivers are allowed to turn on the meters at the time of advance booking, does this mean that a passenger can also get a reduction in fare where the taxi driver shows up late?
3. Taxi companies are in for the rental, and are unlikely to want to take on the administrative burden of collecting booking fees in default. Legal action for S$3 is hardly worth pursuing - which is why companies do the blacklist method now.
4. Isn't a minimum fare almost the same as a flag down fare? Increasing airport trips to S$15 just means more taxis will camp at the airport and not return to the city, where demand is greatest. See the long queues of taxis at the airport and you'll know.
Today Online 211107 said:I agree with the location surcharge and feel it can also improve the welfare of cabbies.
I have further suggestions:
Impose a $2 surcharge for every additional stop for those going to more than one location.
Taxi drivers should be allowed to turn on the meter from the stated time of an advance booking.
Taxi companies should reimburse drivers the amount equivalent to the booking fee if passengers do not show up. The company can pursue the payment from the passengers who made the bookings.
Instead of raising the flag-down fare, impose a minimum of $5 (excluding the surcharges) for each taxi trip and a minimum of $15 (excluding the surcharges) for trips departing from the airport.
This would ensure that the costs of taking a taxi are adjusted to current economic standards. Also, this would be fair to taxi drivers who have to travel a certain distance.
This should improve service standards and nip the problem in the bud, as drivers would feel they are reasonably compensated.