But new Chrysler taxis come with more legroom, friendly cabbies:
WOULD you pay a $5 flagdown fare for a taxi? SMRT Taxis is betting that some people would, especially with high-cachet events such as Formula One next month and high-rollers expected with the upcoming integrated resorts.
On Monday, its new Chrysler 300C taxis (picture) ¡ª bigger than normal taxis and boasting more legroom ¡ª will take to the roads, with friendly, service-oriented drivers behind the wheel.
Current bookings will cost $10, compared to $2.50 for normal cabs, and advanced bookings $20. Indeed, with existing premium Mercedes Benz and Hyundai Azera taxis here charging a$3.20 flagdown fee, the Chrysler 300Cs ¡ª 100 vehicles will be¡°progressively¡± introduced ¡ª look set to usher in a new phase of uber-luxurious cabs.
SMRT is confident of the business potential of this premium market segment, expecting to get most of its business from corporate engagements, said a spokesperson.
It has been building its corporate and Mice business over the last year, providing taxi services at events such as the Barclays Golf Open, the Singapore Airshow and pop concerts such as Christina Aguilera¡¯s.
¡°We have been working closely with operators of airport and ferry terminals, shopping malls, furniture malls and owners of tourist attractions to provide chartered and shuttle taxi services at their doorsteps,¡± said the spokesperson.
Chrysler drivers will have to meet more stringent criteria, needing effective communication skills and ¡°knowledge to be an excellent host¡±.
The taxis will still ply the roads and pick up flagdown passengers. Rates are $5 for the first kilometre or less, 30 cents for every subsequent 385m for the next 10km, and 30 cents for every 330m thereafter.
Teacher Lee Wee Nee, 26, said she would not pay the flagdown fee for a Chrysler cab, unless ¡°I¡¯m really very late and am desperate or if other cab companies don¡¯t respond¡±.
SMRT also announced that from Monday, there will be a 30-cent fuel surcharge imposed for rides on its Hyundai Azera taxis that run on compressed natural gas (CNG). Other diesel cabs levied the surcharge from last month and CNG-fueled Smart Automobile taxis from Aug 1.
Whether will it take off depend largely on the cabbie driving it. $5.00 flag down means pax demand more from it. What are the demand and can the cabbie satisfy it are yet to be seen.
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Life's too short and Unpredictable, Treasure and Love what you got.
Whether will it take off depend largely on the cabbie driving it. $5.00 flag down means pax demand more from it. What are the demand and can the cabbie satisfy it are yet to be seen.
agree...first thing cabbie must wear tie...shining shoes...no jeans...man's colonge is a must...no singlish...anyone foot the bill?
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If you are willing to admit faults, you have one less fault to admit.
Whether will it take off depend largely on the cabbie driving it. $5.00 flag down means pax demand more from it. What are the demand and can the cabbie satisfy it are yet to be seen.
agree...first thing cabbie must wear tie...shining shoes...no jeans...man's colonge is a must...no singlish...anyone foot the bill?
ME!!! But i'm gona look like a kid in tie in that monster driver seat.
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Life's too short and Unpredictable, Treasure and Love what you got.
