Singapore Taxi Drivers Welcome Permanent Surcharges

Taxi drivers in Singapore have expressed their approval of the permanent surcharges on rides from Changi Airport and Mandai Wildlife Reserve. The taxi companies, ComfortDelGro, Strides Premier, Trans-Cab, and Prime Taxi, have announced the permanent surcharge implementation starting from July 1.

The surcharge for taxi trips from Changi Airport, initially introduced in May 2022, will now be a daily S$8 charge between 5pm and 11.59pm, and S$6 at other times. Similarly, the temporary surcharge for rides from the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari, and Bird Paradise will become permanent from July 1, with the fee increasing from S$3 to S$5 for trips between 1pm and 11.59pm daily.

One taxi driver, Maslan Masjor, highlighted the risk involved in driving long distances to Mandai attractions, especially if customers cancel their reservations. With the surcharges being made permanent, drivers like Maslan find it more worthwhile to make the trip, even if there is a queue at the taxi stand. Another driver, Leong Yew Chye, mentioned that the peak time for visitors at wildlife attractions to take a cab home coincides with the lucrative post-work crowd heading to the city or airport.

The surcharges are seen as beneficial for both drivers and passengers. Passengers at Mandai attractions, particularly on weekends, have faced challenges in securing a taxi and have resorted to offering extra cash on top of the fare. The surcharges at the airport are expected to enhance fares for shorter trips, compensating drivers for the time spent queuing and hoping for longer, higher-fare rides.

The permanent surcharges on rides from Changi Airport and Mandai Wildlife Reserve have been well-received by taxi drivers in Singapore. These surcharges aim to benefit both drivers and passengers by ensuring fair compensation for longer trips and addressing the challenges faced in securing taxis at popular attractions. With the implementation of these surcharges, taxi services to these destinations are expected to become more efficient and reliable for all parties involved.