I REFER to the letter by Mr Raymund Koh, 'Tax reliefs? But cabbies still choosy' (Feb 2).
It is unfortunate that commuters like Mr Koh choose to use the authorities to force an issue, that is, all taxi drivers must pick up fares or face the highest penalty under the Vocational Licence Points System. I suggest commuters like him travel by bus, as he did to Dhoby Ghaut, and continue home by MRT.
Like Mr Koh, most cabbies are honest citizens who work hard to earn a few dollars in the system. They are not wrong to ply routes that give better returns. I find that such complaints against taxi drivers border on lack of grace. If Mr Koh had booked a cab, he would have saved himself much inconvenience and frustration.
Spare a thought for the cabbies. There are so many ways within the system to get a cab without hassle as long as you are prepared to pay a little more for comfort and convenience.
I remember not long ago, some cabbies were willing to waive mandatory surcharges in the CBD but were warned that it was against the law.
I applaud them for taking the initiative to optimise fares and find ways to overcome competition amid challenging conditions. More regulations and disincentives do not translate into a more efficient and satisfactory system.
Philip Kwek
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If you are willing to admit faults, you have one less fault to admit.
I REFER to the letter by Mr Raymund Koh, 'Tax reliefs? But cabbies still choosy' (Feb 2).
It is unfortunate that commuters like Mr Koh choose to use the authorities to force an issue, that is, all taxi drivers must pick up fares or face the highest penalty under the Vocational Licence Points System. I suggest commuters like him travel by bus, as he did to Dhoby Ghaut, and continue home by MRT.
Like Mr Koh, most cabbies are honest citizens who work hard to earn a few dollars in the system. They are not wrong to ply routes that give better returns. I find that such complaints against taxi drivers border on lack of grace. If Mr Koh had booked a cab, he would have saved himself much inconvenience and frustration.
Spare a thought for the cabbies. There are so many ways within the system to get a cab without hassle as long as you are prepared to pay a little more for comfort and convenience.
I remember not long ago, some cabbies were willing to waive mandatory surcharges in the CBD but were warned that it was against the law.
I applaud them for taking the initiative to optimise fares and find ways to overcome competition amid challenging conditions. More regulations and disincentives do not translate into a more efficient and satisfactory system.
Philip Kwek
Kudos to Mr Kwek. Very well-spoken. I wonder if Mr Kwek is a taxi-driver himself? If he's not, double the kudos:-
