Readers' Alerts

Mr Woon Ngin Nyin informs the following:

I am sorry that I do not have the car plate number of the cab, however I would really like to comment. Happened last night (06/07/08) 10.13pm. I took the cab from tampines, wanting to go to Kallang Leisure Park (next to indoor stadium) and the uncle ask me if I wanted to go by PIE and I said ok. He exited at Paya Lebar when I wanted to go to Kallang. And he did not even bother to ask me which exit would I prefer when he wasn’t even familiar with kallang. From paya lebar, he went to sims ave, then to geylang, then to another road which I forgot the name, THEN to kallang. I asked him, why you exit at paya lebar?? Then he replied, ‘THEN WHERE U WANT ME TO EXIT?’ and i replied him that its very far to exit by paya lebar when I want to go to kallang. U still have to go through so many roads. After that, I already felt very pissed off. And does know about it. When we reached indoor stadium, he told me that he no time never come to stadium already and its late in the night, cannot really see well. So i directed him. However I must say he’s rather fine, cause I told him usually cab fare from tampines to kallang only takes around $8, and when I reached, my cab fare was $10.40. He only charged me $8.

I want to urge people, be careful of cab drivers. Try to know the routes, unless you are really very unfamiliar or u are a foreigner. The driver I mentioned did not do it purposely, but there are many other does. Some even more ridiculous. I lived in tampines many years, one occasion, I wanted to go to Thomson road by PIE and the entrance to PIE just infront, the driver said that need to go pass simei than can go to PIE, damn it, I lived so many years, I definitely know where is the entrance to PIE and I definitely do not need to go to simei then to PIE. So this is a case of cab driver trying to detour.

[We thank Mr Woon for sharing his experience with us. It is not entirely wrong for a taxi driver to be 'blur' and in this case, the driver has eventually done the right thing by taking responsibility for his incompetence.]

****************************************

Mr Daniel Wee informs the following:

"Here is a complaint that has already been submitted to LTA: Ref ID D-C-B54068.
1800 2255582 to those who wants to complaint to LTA.
The complaint about a rude/errant driver Taxi plate number: SHD 1448U, Silvercab.

05/07/2008, 12.30am, my wife and 2 ladies guest from Taiwan took a cab from the airport to Tampines St 41. After boarding, driver asked my wife on which road to use, and my wife said ECP. The driver assumed the guests in his cab was tourist, and drove a big round (not even exiting Bedok or Tampines but continuing to drive towards the city) until my wife told him politely that he had passed the exits (Tampines and Bedok), hence he quickly exitted out ECP at Marine Parade. He argued this is the only way to go to Tampines if I want to take by ECP. My wife told him she's been staying in Singapore for almost 10 years and had never experience cab driver telling her that to go to Tampines St 41 we would have to go downtown to the City and then to Tampines which accordingly to the cab driver rudely is the only way. Once the cab driver knew that he cannot bluff his way because my wife knew the roads, he became irritated and and spoke rudely and said " If you cannot afford taking cab, then go to take bus or MRT!. I am not afraid of your complaint to my company, I have sound record that you said go by ECP".

During this time now, driver deliberately let the 3 guest (ladies) experienced high speed driving over 120 km/h with sudden breaks, while the air-con was turn to the max, purposely trying to freeze the passengers. After the cab driver realized his road trick was exposed, he drove cab with anger and fast without any concern of road safety for the passengers on his cab. When reaching Tampines Ave 5, driver stopped his cab, and asked my wife, "then you tell me which way to go?" My wife said "if you don't want to take us or don't know the road just drop us on the side of this road!" The driver reply "OK! GOOD!" But the other 2 Taiwanese tourist were so frightened and the feeling being left on the road after 12:30 am midnight with big luggages from Airport when on to coaxed my wife to forgive the driver and guide him on the roads to take. Our guests were new to Singapore and this certainly had made a bad impression of Singapore.
(This kind of driver should be suspended from driving cabs and picking passengers from the airport)

Continuing on, my wife asked him "Why are testing me on the roads? Just bring me to the place I told you - my destination - Tampinese St.41 ". The driver replied "Since you stayed in Singapore, you tell me which way to go!". The cab momentarily stopped on the side of the road, and in mist pointed out to the cab driver the sight board to Tampines Ave 7 (Central), and guided him you how to reach Tampines St.41.

In Summary
The key point to this complaint is that this driver knew very well of the roads to take but because he wanted to earn extra $$ and since it was over midnight, he thinks by fooling the passengers (particularly the tourists) he would able to get away with it. He's rude behavior or attitude puts a very bad impression of Singapore.
(I'm a Singaporean and I'm shocked and ashamed to hear such a lousy rapport of this Singaporean cab driver who is in the mid 40s. Fortunately I wasn't taking the cab or I would have given him a piece of my mind)

Our guests are from a well to do families owning Mercedes Benz's, and visiting Singapore for the first time certainly has tainted the image of Singapore with the cab's unruly behavior who had insulted them of not being able to afford to take Singapore cabs.

I'm worried about this trend and I hope the authorities will get to the bottom of this and improve the once good image of Singapore that I was proud with. How are to convince tourist to visit Singapore with such cab drivers as this isn't groom to handle Singapore's image?

I strongly suggest SilverCab to give him a stern warning and counseling to this cab driver, and hope this doesn't happen to other innocent tourist passengers."

[When errant taxi drivers cheat passengers, they are no different than the scum who rob old ladies in lifts. Instead of using their cunning to con passengers, they should spend time researching their business strategy and finidng out how to be a more successful taxi driver. We thank Mr Wee for sharing and commend his public spiritedness in creating awareness to the rest of us.]

Update (08/07/2008):

Response from LTA:

"Dear Mr Wee

COMPLAINT AGAINST DRIVER OF SHD 1448U FEEDBACK NUMBER: 661628

We refer to your feedback dated 05/07/2008. LTA does not condone any malpractice or misconduct by errant taxi drivers in any incident involving taxi passengers and view all complaints lodged with us seriously. In this respect, we wish to inform you that we will be assigning an Investigation Officer to look into your feedback against the specified taxi.The case officer may contact you for clarifications when necessary. If your case is a straight-forward one where evidence against the errant driver is strong and the facts are not disputed, we will strive to reply within a month from the date we receive your feedback.However, if the case is more complex, we will need more time to ascertain the intricacies of the case and we seek your understanding that we may take longer than a month to reply to you. We thank you for writing in.
Yours sincerely
LEE BOON PAH
SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE OFFICER,
VOCATIONAL LICENSING BUS & TAXI REGULATION
PUBLIC TRANSPORT REGULATION"

[We note that the first email from LTA is always signed off by Mr Lee Boon Pah stating that another officer will be assigned to investigate. We wish Mr Wee a successful resolution to the case.]

****************************************

Ms Patricia Huang informs the following:

"Here is a complaint about a rude ntuc taxi driver. Taxi Serial Number is SHA 4447T.

Today (25/05/2008), i came back for the trip to overseas. I was waiting in the airport for Taxi, When the airport server called me to go to Lane 11, Where there is a cab who is a chinese guy looking like 40 years old. I go over there and he started to said i should not went over to his side. I was damm unhappy as he said i should go infront as got cab infront i should take. I tell him that it was the airport server called me to go to his cab. Then i asked him do he wanted to earn money or not. He started to give me excuse that he scared later he were quarrel with another taxi driver because of the passenger choose taxi. He then started to open his boot to let me put my luggage inside. And when he drove out to the main road, he started to stick to the white van.

Then he take out his handphone and called. He used 1 hand to drive the steering wheel. I started to tell the guy to look infront as i precious my life. He started to shout at me that he know how to drive a taxi don't need i to tell him how to drive and he also precious his life. Luckily the handphone he called never picked up, if not sure have another accident on the road. He also shouted quite loudly to me that not everybody life is weed. He started to shout that he now early retirement, which lived in a condominium and own a coffee shop. He even shouted to me that he were issue me a receipt, so if i wanted to complaint about him i can go ahead as he don't care a damm.

He started to drove very faster like going to report to hell. He also said he can drove 140 per metre, but if he have a booking ticket from the police, he were asked me to pay for it as i told him to drive faster. After much deep thought, i asked him to drop me at the khatib mrt taxi stand. I paid the fare for $21.60, he give me back the change and started to come down to the boot and take off all my luggage and drove off damm faster without issue the receipt and never let me cheek his boot. As i have left two of my precious umbrella from overseas at his taxi boot. One is pink colour with black handle and a tag tied to it and another one is purple with purple handle."

[This horrendous taxi driver certainly needs to be taught a severe lesson in manners and behaviour. Picking up passengers from the airport, taxi drivers are the ambassadors of our country. We therefore urge Ms Patricia Huang to forward an official complaint to LTA directly on their feedback website.]

Update (31/05/2008):

"Hi, i have report the case to the LTA. Here is my the reference no they give me. Thank you for your feedback (Ref ID D-C-B50739). Please quote this reference ID when you call us. Anyway i also report my lost things to the NTUC Comfort Lost and Found Dept thru Email. When i called the no and check for my lost items, it always said don't have. Actually what i wanted is to get back my 2 umbrella which i have brought from korea. "

Update (03/06/2008):

"Dear Ms Huang,

Rude Taxi Driver
FEEDBACK NUMBER: 647452

We refer to your email dated 31/05/2008. LTA does not condone any malpractice or misconduct by errant taxi drivers in any incident involving taxi passengers and view all complaints lodged with us seriously. In this respect, we wish to inform you that we will be assigning an Investigation Officer to look into your feedback against the specified taxi. The case officer may contact you for clarifications when necessary. If your case is a straight-forward one where evidence against the errant driver is strong and the facts are not disputed, we will strive to reply within a month from the date we receive your feedback. However, if the case is more complex, we will need more time to ascertain the intricacies of the case, and we seek your understanding that we may take longer than a month to reply to you. As you had left 2 umbrellas in the taxi, we will refer the matter to Ms Rita Cheok, Senior Manager Customer Service, Comfort Transportation Pte Ltd, DID 6550 8500, to look into your feedback as well. To facilitate her enquiries, we have asked Ms Cheok to contact and update you directly on this matter. We thank you for writing in.
Yours sincerely
LEE BOON PAH
SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE OFFICER, VOCATIONAL LICENSING
BUS & TAXI REGULATION
PUBLIC TRANSPORT REGULATION"

[Hopefully a good result can be achieved and your posessions can be recoeverd. We will all be awaiting some good news for you - be it within one month or longer.]

****************************************

Ms Esther informs the following:

"Bad and dangerous driving. Was on CTE heading Woodlands at 2pm on 8/5/2008. Signalled my intention to filter right. Said taxi SH2614Z about 6 car lengths away, Speeded up, Flashed light,tailgated me for 1 km then overtook me giving the middle finger. Had 2 kids in the car and was unnerved by such aggresive and crazy driving. Please take note. If this cabby is ever in acident, you know what happened."

[Another day in the life of the standard taxi driver? Unsurprisingly, we strongly recommend Ms Esther to forward an official complaint to LTA directly on their feedback website.]

****************************************

Mr Daniel Khoo informs the following:

"Here is a complaint that has already been submitted to LTA and Comfort DelGro. I would like to bring to your attention that I have a encounter with a Comfort taxi SHC2412X along Holland Avenue (toward Holland Avenue) on 23rd April 2008 at about 7.30pm. Attached is my draft sketch on the incident itself. The attachment states 2 situations.

Situation 1 is where by Taxi SHC2412X trying to cut into my lane with a confine space and a coach bus infront. Taxi SHC2412X give his signal and immediately trying to swerve into my lane and nearly hit on to my car (my side mirror is about 5-10cm against his car). Hence I gave him a LONG HORN to warn that I was beside him. He didn't bother about my horning and proceed with the Lane cutting, hence I have to brake and slow myself down to let him pass in order not to get any damage. I proceed with a long horn again to tell him that a vehicle is actually behind.

From the 1st lane, he cut into my lane and proceed to filter off at situation 2. He then JAM his brakes. It was lucky that I am not following that close to him and due to the heavy traffic condition, I was keeping a little distance behind. I was able to stop in time to avoid a collision. At this moment of time, I am having my family (a 2 yrs toddler, 7mth infant and my wife) in the car and they were alarm on the sudden braking of my car. Hence I start to horn him again and he purposely slow down his vehicle on the zebra crossing (No one was crossing the zebra crossing). He then proceed slowly along holland road and filter off towards north buona vista road and I proceed along holland road.

I hope the relevant authority would look into this matter as it is very upset to see that taxi driver behave this way are on the roads of Singapore: 1) Endangering other road users 2) JAM brakes without noticing that there might be children in other vehicles that could endanger their lives or cause injuries. 3) As in a service line, creating a bad imagine to the company I believe some forms of measures should be taken against such taxi drivers."

[Once again, we note that motorists can only be riled up this much - enough to actually sit down and sketch out a diagram, because of the ridiculous behaviour of some taxi drivers. We hope justice will be served eventually and this menace will be taken to task for his dangerous and reckless driving.]

Update (12/05/2008):

"Have a reply from Comfort Delgro that the cabby has been counselled and issued with demerits. But nothing from LTA."

[From our experience, LTA may consider the matter settled at ComfortDelgro's level. Nevertheless, Mr Khoo has ensured that some level of justce has been served unto this member belonging to the bane of our society and we sincerely applaud his efforts.]

****************************************

Mr W F Leo informs the following:

Taxi number SHA809J
9th April 2008

"At about 8.25 pm, I was driving along Bouna Vista (MRT on your left) driving towards clementi, (the stretch of road where you see Singapore Poly on your left) I was on the most right lane and the traffic light is red, so I slow down and stop, and when it turn green, I drive off at a normal speed, same acceleration as the car on the middle lane. Maybe slow to some, but I would say, I'm keeping within the speed limit, I accelerate to 60+kmh and then maintain the speed. At this instance, the taxi behind high beam (high beam on, and not flash flash) all the way until he overtook me about 20+ seconds later and proceed to drop off a passenger at the bus stop (not the drop off/pick up point) at Dover/Singapore Poly.

I ignore him and continue driving towards the next traffic light, but not long after, he overtook me and cut into my lane (he didn’t do any stunt) but when I drive pass him later, he stare at me fiercely, as though he want to beat me up or something. Both times he overtook me , I as driving 60+km/h and he didn’t overtook me 'smoothly' but rather like 'fast and furious', god knows what speed he is going.

That’s all the drama, nothing much actually, but just a rude taxi driver whom I think needs to learn some manners before he serves the public."

[Although we agree that this is a typical taxi driver in action, we also need to consider the future and the possibility that this driver will start from this sort of behaviour and escalate to becoming a Road Bully one day. Thus, we have advised Mr Leo to forward an official complaint to the Cab Company concerned or to LTA on their feedback website.]

****************************************

Mr Jason Teo informs the following:

"I am relating an incident that I encountered on the road dated 7th Apr 2008, at about 1615hrs, along Lorong 6 Toa Payoh in the direction of Kim Keat Link, going away from Toa Payoh Stadium, with a CityCab taxi SHC417X. I was travelling straight in the middle lane along Lor 6 when I passed a taxi-stand directly opposite the Toa Payoh Swimming Complex. Just as I passed the taxi stand, the above-said taxi suddenly swerved from the left-most lane towards the left-hand-side of my car. I instinctively swerved to my right to avoid him hitting my car, before moving back into the middle lane.

As we approached a traffic light junction at Lor 6 and Lor 4, the lights were red and I filtered to the left lane and as the same taxi came up in the middle lane alongside me, I honked at him and gestured to him with 2 fingers pointing, alternating between my eyes and him, indicating to him, “Didn’t you see that my car was beside you before swerving out of the taxi-stand?” What followed absolutely blew my mind. The driver of the taxi showed me his middle finger in response. As the lights turned green, I moved off and after a short distance, signalled as was my habit, and filtered into the middle lane again as the bus ahead of me indicated that it was stopping at the bus-stop ahead. I found myself in front of the same taxi while travelling in the middle lane.

As we came up to a fork in the road, the traffic lights at the fork were red and the car in front of me was driving very slow towards to lights causing me to step significantly on my brakes to avoid hitting the rear of the car. As the lights turned green, I filtered back into the left lane as I was supposed to continue travelling on Lor 6. As I checked my side mirror for oncoming traffic, I saw the above-said taxi-driver threw a green water bottle out of his taxi towards my car. It flew across the road towards me and hit my car on the driver’s door. I heard the “thud” sound as it hit my car and of course, such a dangerous act infuriated me.

I then chased the taxi-driver down all the way onto the PIE in the direction of Changi Airport and succeeded in getting him to stop by the side of the road. I stepped out of my car and approached him. With his window wound down, I first asked him about the swerving incident and when he denied it, I asked him about the water bottle and told him that I expected him to pay for the damage done to my car. He proceeded to show me his middle finger again. I realised there was no talking to this man and went to the front of his taxi to take down his taxi number. He then yelled, “Go ahead, copy all you want!”

He then proceeded to drive off and as he drove past me, he shouted, “Asshole!” at me. Obviously, such behaviour on the roads should not be tolerated. Not only was he dangerous in not checking for oncoming traffic before moving out of a taxi-stand, but he was also antagonistic, violent and unrepentant. A taxi driver like him should not even be allowed to be driving on our roads. I have lodged a complaint against the driver with CityCab and am seeking compensation for the damage to my car, while I am hoping that the LTA would take severe action against the taxi driver.

As the incident required a lengthy description, I have used a MS Word document to relate it and sent the document both to the LTA and CityCab, and perhaps, subsequently, to the Traffic Police.I hope more drivers who have had dangerous experiences with taxi drivers take the trouble to write in to the authorities to ensure such taxi drivers are properly disciplined."

[We agree that this driver needs to be removed from the roads, nay, even from Singapore for that matter. In fact, there is a strong case for an act of Road Bullying to be established as well. We further concur with Mr Teo on his call for more 'victims' to voice out their experiences.]

****************************************

Mr Yeo informs the following:

"On 28th Mar, I was driving from Bukit Timah Rd (next to Newton Food Centre) heading towards Orchard Rd. At Newton Circle while turning left into Scotts Rd, this Taxi SHA1434A from Comfort on my right also making a left turn but cut into my lane instead keeping on his lane while turning. To avoid collision with him I jammed brake and horned at the same time.

This inconsiderate taxi driver never avoid me but instead he purposely slowed down in front of me and at the same time pointed his middle finger. I was so furious so what I did was overtake him and ask him to pull over. We had an argument and he claim that I should give way to him etc. Not long after a police petrol car pass by stopped and took down both our particulars.

I had many encounters with this kind of inconsiderate taxi driver but this is the worst inconsiderate taxi driver I must say."

[We have advised Mr Yeo to follow up the matter with LTA on their feedback website with regards to 'Conduct and service performance of taxi drivers'. We are noticing a spike in aggressive and violent behaviour by taxi drivers - perhaps it is due to the recent restrictions imposed on the drivers.]

Update (08/04/2008):

Response from LTA:

"FEEDBACK NUMBER: 622539
We are concerned at the disorderly behaviour of the taxi driver in the incident cited. Hence,we have directed Ms Rita Cheok, Senior Manager Customer Service, Comfort Transportation Pte Ltd, DID 6550 8500, to look into your feedback.  To facilitate her enquiries, we have asked Ms Cheok to contact and update you directly on all matters pertaining to this incident. In addition, as this was a driving-related incident, we are also, by copy of this email, referring your feedback to the Singapore Traffic Police. - LEE BOON PAH, SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE OFFICER, VOCATIONAL LICENSING, LTA "

****************************************

Mr Chong informs the following:

"Horror Bully
Date: 27 March 2008
Time: About 8.45 pm
Location: Jln Kayu/Fernvale Lane Junction
Mercedes Cab: SHC878

Traffic Light at junction is red, but the turning arrow is green.  As I approach the junction (about 150m away) with my indicator on about to turn.  This idiot Mercedes Cab accelerates dangerously and cuts in front of my lane and jams his brakes at the red light junction.  I honk him several times to show my displeasure at his rash driving.  When the light turns green, he does not move off but gets down and threatens me in front of my family.  He scares my 5 year old daughter so badly that my daughter kept asking when this man was shouting at us.  As I was rushing my daughter to the clinic to see the doctor before it closes, I sat in my car, lock the doors and did not confront this idiot.  He got in his Mercedes cab and drove off after I shouted I will complain against him.

I did not get a good look at which company his cab belong to as I was more concern in getting my daughter to the clinic before it closes at 9.00pm. I really want to complaint against this road bully Mercedes cab driver, but there are so many cab companies in Singapore having this sort of cab........only got his license plate - SHC878 (sorry can't remember the last letter). I need help to officially complain against this guy........they really give those other hardworking polite cab drivers a BAD name.  I want to get him off the Singapore roads."

[We have advised Mr Chong to lodge a report at LTA's feedback website which contains various options, one of which is 'Conduct and service performance of taxi drivers'. We hope that horrendous driver is taken off the streets soon and urge readers to report back on the last alphabet (suffix) of the licence plate number.]

Update (28/03/2008):

"I have lodge the complaint on the LTA site - (Ref ID D-C-B45531). Thanks for the help. I hope they send this guy for anger management!"

****************************************

Mr Ganga informs the following:

"This is with regards to the reckless driving of the driver of Comfort Cab SHA5380U on 25/03/2008 at 7.15pm along Upper Bukit Timah Road towards Bukit Panjang before the junction of Cashew Road. My wife and I were on my motorcycle FV9634A on the second lane with a large vehicle (either a bus or prime mover) on the left lane. The rightmost lane was for vehicles to turn right into Cashew Road and the third lane was for vehicles travelling straight and for those turning right into Cashew Road.

When we were about 3 car-lengths away from the junction of Cashew Road, the said taxi swerved out of the third lane into the second lane without warning, right in front of us. Instinctively, I sounded my horn and fortunately, was able to squeeze past this recklessly swerving taxi and the large vehicle on the left lane, otherwise both my wife and I would have gone tumbling over after colliding with this taxi, or worse, may have ended up under the large vehicle.

As both the taxi and I were heading down the same direction after this near-accident, we passed each other on 3 occasions before I made a U-turn in front of The Linear residences. On the first occasion we passed, this driver of SHA5380U simply looked at me with such nonchalance and indifference. On the subsequent 2 occasions, he did not even have the decency to look. All I expected was a simple hand signal to say sorry for his horrendous driving but his absolute disregard for other motorists' safety coupled with such a despicable attitude is too much for me to fathom.

When our 2 vehicles passed each other on the 3 occasions, it was close enough for me to note that the male Chinese driver had curly hair and there was a passenger in the front with him. He was clearly aware that I was looking at him and yet, he did not feel the need to apologise or even acknowledge his earlier dangerous behaviour. This is totally unacceptable as his recklessness nearly cost the life of 2 persons - my wife and I.

When encountering this driver, the only incident that comes to mind is the driver who killed another motorist through a rash act in front of Shaw Centre last year or so. Is this how all taxi drivers are - with total disregard for the safety of other motorists? I am with the  view that this particular driver needs to be dealt with severely, and I expect this to be done by your good organisation. I make myself available to attend any hearing or tribunal as necessary for the purpose of a thorough investigation of this incident. If NTUC Comfort is unable to mete out satisfactory punitive action, I will then consider bringing this matter up to LTA and/or Traffic Police for their necessary legal action."

[Brilliantly done there Mr Ganga. We wonder how many accidents have been caused by the taxi driver to date.]

Update (03/04/2008):

Letter from ComfortDelGro mailed to Mr Ganga's residence:

"...We have conducted an investigation and issued a warning to the driver on his reckless driving behaviour. He has been cautioned to adhere to safety standards set out not just by the Company but by the TP as well. We have updated his service record with the complaint and will be monitoring his performance closely..." - Yyn Tay, Customer Service Officer, Customer Service Centre, Comfort Transportation Pte Ltd"

[It seems that the Cab companies simply try to belittle the matter by issuing 'warnings' which sound more like 'reminders'. LTA's actions are more serious and direct, therefore we advise readers to proceed directly with an LTA complaint instead for serious cases. Nevertheless, we are grateful for civic-minded citizens like Mr Ganga who take the effort to be proactive.]

****************************************

Mr Poh informs the following:

"On 15/11/2007 at 2015hrs, I boarded a Premier Taxi (SHB 8343C) from Singapore Post (Paya Lebar) to Tampines Central. As I was in a rush, I only realized that I had insufficient cash with me after a few minutes before moving off. Thus, I politely asked the taxi driver (male Chinese) if there were other modes of payment but he told me bluntly only cash. So I informed him that he could drop me near the ATM so that I could withdraw cash to pay him. He did not bother to reply and instead instantly put up a disgruntled face which could be easily spotted from the rear mirror.

When we were close to the destination, he asked me where I wanted to alight and I informed him that I could alight near the Tampines MRT station despite the fact that I was going to Century Square directly. This was due to the fact that there is an ATM machine at the Tampines MRT station and within a short distance to avoid delaying the taxi driver further. He remarked that I should have told him earlier so that he could go by a faster and more appropriate route. He asked if the place was congested and I replied that I did not need to alight at the Tampines Mall Taxi stand as the location was always crowded. Instead, I told him I could alight at the bus drop-off/alight point beside the Tampines MRT station. I repeated to him again that the reason for alighting at the said location is to ensure that I could withdraw cash to pay him. He ignored and did not respond again.

Upon reaching the destination at around 2025hrs, the taxi driver wanted me to leave something behind while I left to withdraw money. He said because he did not know me at all and did not trust me. I agreed with the point he raised but the only item with me at that time was the airmail parcel valued approximately US$80 which I had just collected from Singapore Post. The taxi fare shown in the meter was less than $8 dollars. I only had $6 dollars plus and could not afford to risk leaving the parcel behind in case he drove off with it. Thus, I proposed that he followed me to the ATM. He refused and claimed that he will be fined for leaving his vehicle behind. While I agreed with his point, I was trying to think of an alternative solution and it was at this moment that he started to turn aggressive and raised his voice at me. He shouted phrases that “I should not take taxi if I have no money with me”, “Don’t try to pull off any tricks”, etc. I felt he was starting to adopt personal attacks based on his words used and thus I told him that his attitude was unprofessional and unacceptable. Sensing his aggressive behavior, I moved out of the taxi and try to contact the taxi company. He came out of his cab and began hurling abuses, shouted and yelled at me in full view of the general public as he wanted to use the situation to humiliate me. He also mentioned that I should not rebuke and raised my voice because I had no money to pay him which I did not yell at him.

I managed to find the company’s contact number and called to ask for advice and raised my complaint. While I was talking to the customer executive, Tasha, the cab driver shouted that if I wanted to call the police he could drive me to the station. I told him that I was not calling the police and continued to provide the information to Tasha as requested. Suddenly, he took out his handphone to snap pictures of me while I was still assisting in the report. I did not stop him from taking photos as the first thought that came to my mind was that he wanted to use it as a proof that I did not pay the taxi fare and if I intervened, it may turn into physical attack based on the tense situation. Next, he returned back to his taxi and drove off even when one of the passer-by waved to him to wait. All the happenings were reported to Tasha. I also enquired about his possession of my photos without my approval and payment of the taxi fare since he just drove off. Tasha mentioned that she would submit the report for the management review and I will be kept informed. I requested for the senior management to contact me latest by noon today (20/11/2007) but still yet to receive any reply."

[Personally, these drivers need to be treated like dirt - ie. you could have just walked off and returned with the money and he would have just waited. Instead, you attempted to be civil and he became an idiot. We urge Mr Poh to continue and press on with the issue with Premier Taxi until a suitable reply is received. Cab companies typically need to be pressured before they take any action at all.]

Update (21/01/2008):

"The taxi spokewomen had spoken to me and told me that they had reprimand the driver for his behaviour, counseled him and will monitor his progress for 3 months. So that is all the company could do for such behaviour. They will provide an apology letter to me. However when I informed her that I had already notified LTA about this matter, she said the company will wait for LTA to investigate and thus I still do not receive the apology letter despite having paid up for the fare.

LTA had provided me the investigation report for my complaint. I felt the handling of the matter by the taxi company is to light and not treated seriously, thus I report to LTA for actions."

Result of LTA's Investigation -

"Please refer to your feedback dated 16 Nov 2007. We have completed the investigation and decided to offer the driver concerned a Composition Fine of $100.00 for the offence of verbally insulting, intimidating or harassing a passenger. For your information, this offence also carries 03 demerit points under the Taxi Vocational Licence Demerit Points System. It will be entered into his service record and will be taken into consideration should he commit other scheduled offences in future. We thank you for bringing the matter to our attention."

[Mr Poh, you have perservered and although it may have taken slightly over 2 months, your dogged determination has ensured that justice was eventually served. We sincerely thank you for the tenacity and urge our readers to be inspired by this. This incident clearly shows that we indeed have the power to effect change...]

****************************************

Mr Hafiz informs the following:

"I am writing on behalf of my wife who had an ugly experience with a Citicab taxi driver bearing no. SHB 2333X. Citicab, whom i know is Singapore's largest taxi company that provides excellent services for their passengers, will soon to lose its title.

On 4th November 2007 @about 2145hrs, my wife flag a taxi outside Tampines mall along Tampines ave 4. On board the taxi, she informed the chinese driver who's age around 60+, to proceed to the other side of Tampines mall to fetch my mother-in-law, her sister, maid and my 3 year old son and then proceed back home the same stretch of road along Tampines ave 4. The driver acknowledge. Upon reaching the other side of Tampines Mall, my mother together with my maid, sister and my son, board the taxi. My wife was at the front seat, the rest was at the rear which makes up to 4 adults and 1 child.

After driving for about 50 meters, the driver informed them that he cannot take up that much passanger and was asked to get out from his taxi. My wife informed the driver that all along she had no problem with other taxi driver to take such load. She even point out the sign located at the front seat that 4 adults and 1 child is permitable. "NO!NO!NO! its against the law" said the driver. "never mind, no need to pay the fare also can" added the driver again. My wife was at shock to encounter such an arrogant and rude driver. My mother suggest that they alight from the taxi to prevent further argument.

My wife then flag another taxi and ask the driver whether he can take up 4 adults and 1 kid. "No problem" said the driver.

Now, is there a double standard in every taxi. Or are they, the driver 'suka-suka' implement their own taxi rules. Some are 'bo-chap' some are 'follow the book' type. These we understands and they have their every right. They are being their own boss, who cares. But not to the extend where we, the passengers or the commuters were ask to get out from their taxi halfway during the journey.

Im not sure how the authority deal with this kind of driver. To what extend do they issue verbal or letter warning and to what extend do they terminate those inconsiderate, heartless, rude and arrogant like the one i mention. I simply don't tolerate this kind of driver. Count himself lucky coz if i were at the scene, i will do anything within my power to make him continue with the journey without asking my family to get out from his damn taxi. I really hope he don't involved in the upcoming ASEAN and APEC meeting. It will be a disgrace to the nation that we have such creature living in Singapore.

The authorities, pls, do something about it. Don't let the desease spread to the rest. I knew that there's a saying, in 1 whole bunch of banana's, not all are bad. So please, remove the bad ones's."

[We urge Mr Hafiz to send a complaint in to Citicab via email. Cab companies will only deal with the affected party and not with community entities such as Singapore Taxi driver...]

****************************************

Mr Yap informs the following:

"Thinking of the endanger acts, I think I need to reflect this Taxis Driver. His cab is SHB 8322 M (cab colour – light, can’t recall), tanned skin with dark glasses. Age around 48 to 55 & quite tall. On  last Thursday - 06 Sep 2007, time: 7.40 to 7.45am at Jurong West st. 65. When I crossing the Zebra crossing. A white pickup stopped with a cab behind. However, instead of stopping; this cab takes over the white pickup, cut over the zigzag line trying to pass through the Zebra crossing. By the time, I was in the middle of the Zebra crossing, almost knocked down by this cab (see illustration).

This is very dangerous and the driver did not apologize but acts, as this is nothing-big issue. If this driver did not receive any action or warning, I’m believe accident will happens sooner or later. What will happen if vehicle come in the other way (A in 3rd illustration) . In addition, not passenger waiting for cab  along the road, why in hurry? Thank you.

By the way, will like to make a traffic report for this issue and cab no."

[Only a taxi driver can make us angry enough to spend time to painstakingly draw up a diagram...]

Update:

Response from Premier Taxis -

"Thank you for notifying us of your feedback. We regret any inconvenience or frustration that your experience has caused you. Our company does not condone such behavior from our driver as the company have always emphasize to all taxi drivers that safety and road courtesy to all passengers and road users is on top of our company's priority."

"We have since seriously counseled and emphasize to the driver himself that his road behavior will endanger not only his own life but other road users and passenger on board his taxi. We have since issued verbal warning and demerit points to the taxi driver base on the code of conduct. Please rest assure that he will be placed under close observation and assessment of his future conduct. If the driver be proven to have repeated violations, we will not hesitate to issue stiffer disciplinary action. Once again, thank you again for bringing these matters to our attention."

Katherine Tan

Premier Taxis Pte Ltd

[Good job Mr Yap! It's citizens like you that make the roads a safer place...]

Is it just me or does the taxi driver (pictured right in the article, right outside the Subordinate Courts) seem proud of his 'accomplishment' - the willful death of another human being? Apparently, he had tried to drive off from an accident scene, knocked the victim onto his bonnet, sped forward and then braked hard, causing the victim to be flung on to the road. And on top of that, he was happily waiting in his taxi till the Police arrived whilst others came forward to help the dying victim.

As far as I am concerned, this f**ker needs to be hanged, as simple as that.