I HIRED a Trans-Cab taxi on 28 Feb in the evening from McNair Road, near Balestier, to Far East Plaza.
Upon arriving at my destination, I realised I had only $8 with me and the fare was about $9.55. I asked the cab driver to wait at the side so that I could go to the nearest DBS ATM at Far East Plaza on Level 1.
He then raised his voice at me saying how I should have told him earlier and not upon reaching the destination as he cannot wait at the zigzag line.
I told him to either accept the $8 or wait for a moment while I withdrew the money. I kept my shopping bag, as an object of trust, in the cab.
He yelled at me again: 'Of course, money lah, I want money.'
Unfortunately, there was a long queue at the ATM, and I had no choice but to join the queue.
However, in the rush I forgot to note down his licence plate number.
I know it's illegal to stop at the zigzag line, but the driver could have exited Far East Plaza and come back seeking the full fare, as I was prepared to pay whatever the fare was. I even told him to keep the meter running.
When I returned about 30 minutes later, the cab was gone. I then called Trans-Cab informing it about the incident and asked for a message to be broadcast for the errant cabby to return my shopping bag.
I also requested the customer service staff to inform me on updates, but none called. I had to call three times and was told each time that there wasn't any response, and that it could have easier if I had noted the licence number plate.
Finally, I received a call from Trans-Cab at about 10.40pm the same day informing me that the driver had left my shopping bag at the Neighbourhood Police Centre at Tampines Ave 4. I was told to pick up my belongings on my own.
While I demanded that my shopping bag be sent to me because I was not in the wrong, I understand that only the rightful owner can pick up the belongings from the police station.
The cabby's behaviour was totally unjustified.
I was also disappointed with the attitude of the customer service staff at Trans-Cab.
This is the third time that I am experiencing such behaviour by Trans-Cab cabbies.
I e-mailed the cab company twice, but have yet to receive a response.
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recession... they wanna save the $2.50 for dinner i guess. cuz when they tell me not enuff, i take whatever and go for next trip loh. want me wait long long n she never come back i lugi
In page 18 of today's The New Paper 09 Mar 09, published are several of its readers' reactions and responses to the above incident. It is heartening to know that there are people out there who understands a cabbie's plight and came out to support and speak up for taxi-drivers. I think Ms Chitra Kumar should 'fan xin, fan xin' and retract her complain and issue an apology to the cabbie.
Both are really a joker, if cabby will to accept $8 the story will end there...now both are licking their own wound. Just like to share my similiar incident...pick one ang mo in orchard road and destination is some where Hollad v. Reach his house...woh..bungalow somemore. While during the trip complaining about recession yet cab fare is still so high, me just ignore his remark. Come to paying the fare pay me short by $2, ask for the $2 he say if i do not want to wait for him to get the $2 i can just drove off...not in a good tone. Me just waited for him to get the $2 ...very pathetic..like a begger. I should have just drove off and forgot about the $2 instead of being tramp by him.
Both are really a joker, if cabby will to accept $8 the story will end there...now both are licking their own wound. Just like to share my similiar incident...pick one ang mo in orchard road and destination is some where Hollad v. Reach his house...woh..bungalow somemore. While during the trip complaining about recession yet cab fare is still so high, me just ignore his remark. Come to paying the fare pay me short by $2, ask for the $2 he say if i do not want to wait for him to get the $2 i can just drove off...not in a good tone. Me just waited for him to get the $2 ...very pathetic..like a begger. I should have just drove off and forgot about the $2 instead of being tramp by him.
just another cheapo, only in this case it's a cheapo angmoh living in a big bungalow, trying to save $2 at the expense of a cabbie(in this case, bro regit). bet the bungalow's rentals and maybe even his meals are paid by his company.
Bro regit, if it is me I will surely wait for the $2. Cannot let such cheapo go away. Imagine he do it every day for 2 trips per day, 2 x 5 = 10 trips, each trip save $2, 1 week he is richer by $20... enough to pay for his steak...
Oh, I know "Chitra Kumar". Stop the cab in busy congested road beside Mustafa,ask how much,then search for the pulse in her bag and then dig in for the change.Behind traffic KPKB.
ya... every time i at mustafa inner road, i also paisay when the pax stop me and load in bags of stuffs. heng most of the cars there used to it n seldom horn. ( even if they horn also lan lan ) haha
I tried not to go in the inner lane unless business poor loh