Drop in call bookings as higher taxi fares kick in

By Wong Mun Wai, Channel NewsAsia

Singapore's largest taxi operator, ComfortDelGro, has seen a drop in call bookings during the morning peak hours, largely due to the higher taxi fares which kicked in on Monday. However, the company has described this as an expected knee-jerk reaction.

The higher fares hit commuters the hardest during the peak hours. Commuters like Benson An, who takes the taxi almost four times a week from home to work said that the higher fares will add another 10 per cent to his transport expenses. Thus, he said that he would try to reduce his cab trips by at least 50 per cent and turn to buses or the MRT when he travels.

With more commuters opting for an alternative mode of transport, ComfortDelgro revealed that a decrease of 20 per cent in call bookings was recorded on Monday morning, compared to last Monday. The higher fees have also affected other taxi operators. Singapore's second-largest taxi operator, SMRT, which has yet to increase its fares, has also reported a drop in call bookings. It received 200 fewer calls between 7am and 9am, compared to last Monday.

Among the changes announced by ComfortDelgro was the reduction of peak hour booking fees from S$4 to S$3.50 in order to encourage more call bookings. During off-peak hours, flagging down a Comfort taxi will now cost commuters some 10 per cent more. Meanwhile, those travelling during peak hours will now pay between 18 and 49 per cent higher. Also, instead of a S$2 flat rate for the morning and evening peak hour surcharge, it has been revised to 35 per cent of the metered fare.

While some taxi drivers wonder if passengers will still take cabs like before, one cabbie predicted that he could possibly earn S$50 more a day. Meanwhile, others said it was too early to expect a rise in earnings and will only be able to tell if they are making profits or losses after three days to a week. Other taxi companies that will be raising their fares by Christmas are SMRT, Trans-cab, Premier and SMART Cab. - CNA/vm

It was raining cats and dogs yesterday so I had to take a cab from Phillip Street to Woodslands Drive 60. Started waiting for a at 4.30 pm cos I had to be in Woodlands by 5.15 pm. By 4.50 pm, no cabs came so I started calling. All lines were engaged and as for the only one I could get through (SMART cab), no cabs responded.

At that time, a Comfort cab came so I boarded. By the time I got to Woodlands, my cab fare was $28.40!!!! ^%$^$^#%$

I never thought I had to pay so much was cab! I have never in my life paid so much!

Break down of the cab fare:
Fare Charge: $18.80
CBD Charge: $3
Peak Hour: $6.60 (that's the 35%)

Verdict: I am so not going to take a cab during peak hours unless my life depends on it! @^%@^%$#