I REFER to Mr Raymund Koh's letter last Monday, 'Tax reliefs? But cabbies still choosy'. As much as I sympathise with his plight, I do not believe the cabbies were intentionally avoiding him simply to earn the additional $4 surcharge on trips originating in the CBD (Central Business District).
As the son of a retired taxi driver, I have experienced first hand - from within the cab - the difficulties of picking up passengers. These include, but are not limited to:
- Spotting passengers due to their dark clothing, or standing away from street lights; - Determining who is waiting for a taxi and who is just about to cross the road; and - Stopping, due to traffic conditions.
I had the impression from Mr Koh's letter that many taxis passed him by day. If there were many taxis, what would be the likelihood of all of them passing confirmed passengers for potential ones, simply for the additional $4?
I find it hard to believe as the cost of fuel (and time) driving and waiting for passengers could well negate between 10 and 50 per cent or more of the surcharge. I would find it easier to stop for a confirmed passenger than continue driving in the hope of finding one who might give me an additional $4.
It is perhaps only in such desperate times that these taxi drivers take such desperate measures. If taxi drivers have to resort to literally going the extra mile to earn such a slight increase in income, might it not be more prudent for the Government to increase tax reliefs and rebates for drivers - in order to make them less picky about passengers?
And save the money on plainclothes officers. Use that money to subsidise taxi-related expenditure to make taxi driving a more attractive career. Maybe then will there be more taxi drivers to increase the odds of being picked up between 8pm and 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Donn Lee
__________________
If you are willing to admit faults, you have one less fault to admit.
even as a son of a retired taxi driver, don doesn't seem to know much about the mind of a taxi driver. anyway, i dont agree with him n i feel that he doesnt understand us. i've seen many n i believe most of the taxi drivers would drive the extra seconds to pick up additional $4 especially when it was an eve of CNY and orchard would be very packed with paxs. why not?
even as a son of a retired taxi driver, don doesn't seem to know much about the mind of a taxi driver. anyway, i dont agree with him n i feel that he doesnt understand us. i've seen many n i believe most of the taxi drivers would drive the extra seconds to pick up additional $4 especially when it was an eve of CNY and orchard would be very packed with paxs. why not?
taxiuncle u don seem to understand what is "jie shi shi wei le yan shi"
It is perhaps only in such desperate times that these taxi drivers take such desperate measures. If taxi drivers have to resort to literally going the extra mile to earn such a slight increase in income, might it not be more prudent for the Government to increase tax reliefs and rebates for drivers - in order to make them less picky about passengers?
And save the money on plainclothes officers. Use that money to subsidise taxi-related expenditure to make taxi driving a more attractive career. Maybe then will there be more taxi drivers to increase the odds of being picked up between 8pm and 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Donn Lee
This is more than makes me happy that cabby can have such quality child !
I would find it easier to stop for a confirmed passenger than continue driving in the hope of finding one who might give me an additional $4.
This is quite true. During peak when pax flagging outside Tang along Scott Rd, most taxi will pass but once entered into CBD then regret cos so many empty taxi are plying/waiting for passenger along Orchard rd.
At night no ERP then can try luck but daytime if ERP $2 then is no point to gamble. Furthermore, paid $2 ERP into CBD then received booking @ COMCenter, take or dun take?
pay $2 go in then u have to pick taxi stand with starting fare $3.00.. u lugi man.. if go in get call u only make $0.50 extra... diesel spend to go ard inside?? peak hr anywhere got ppl except buslane la.. i pick.. after peak.. i play
pay $2 go in then u have to pick taxi stand with starting fare $3.00.. u lugi man.. if go in get call u only make $0.50 extra... diesel spend to go ard inside?? peak hr anywhere got ppl except buslane la.. i pick.. after peak.. i play
I kena twice, go in $1 got booking outside $3.5 haha think today solid leh.... quick quick go out, alama pax cancelled booking after I exit CBD. Now once inside I sure reject booking unless it is along the path and short distance without jam.
Knn who think out such booking game, TD always the looser - LTA got ERP, Comfort no need to refund CBD "within 15 mins no pax".
Bro bridgestone, One thing you should learn is to ignore bookings that you don't stand to gain any advantages. Example 1: if outside CBD, pay ERP to take a booking. Pax might MIA by the time you arrive becoz there are so many empty cabs within CBD. Example 2: pick up location is quite a distance away, again pax might MIA. Example 3: traffic condition is bad from your location to pick up point. But it's okay, you learn as you go along. I'm sure you'll become smarter after a few setbacks. Cheers and good luck.
