SINGAPORE - Cabbies who pick up passengers from Changi Airport this month stand a chance to win up to $1,888 in cash.
The weekly lucky draw has been introduced by the airport's operator, Changi Airport Group, in a bid to attract more taxis to its terminals as December is its busiest month of the year.
It hopes the incentive will draw about 10 per cent more cabs and keep waiting time at the taxi stands to no more than 10 minutes, said Mr Yeo Kia Thye, the company's senior vice-president for airport operations.
Last December, Changi handled 4.5 million passengers - an average of 146,000 a day.
The lucky draw from Dec 3 to Jan 1 will see one cabby taking home a grand prize of $1,888 each week and six others winning $88 each.
Every cab that enters the taxi holding areas at Changi is eligible for the contest.
Their in-vehicle unit number will be tracked by the operator.
Cabbies that make trips between 4pm and 6pm and between 11pm and midnight - the periods just before the start of fare surcharges - will triple their chances of winning.
Those who drive to Changi between the peak arrival period of 6pm and 11pm will earn two chances to win.
Said Mr Yeo: "We wanted to find something that appeals to drivers and is also fun. The prize had to be something that resonates with the drivers and is substantial enough for them to be interested."
He added that Changi Airport Group had mulled over other options such as raising the airport surcharge, which ranges from $3 to $5 depending on the time.
"But if we go down that route, what is going to stop the others from raising theirs as well?" he said, referring to the $3 surcharge passengers pay to take a cab at the two integrated resorts.
Cabby Quah Seh Hong, 55, estimates that he drives to the airport at least 20 times a week.
He is confident that the chance to win money will attract more cabbiesthere.
Agreeing, cabby Lee Yew Kiak, 54, said: "Having a chance to make extra money by picking up passengers is a good incentive."
