Arguably an arguable argument

Cab fares should have been revised earlier

Thu, Dec 20, 2007
The Straits Times

RECENTLY, there has been resentment among Singaporeans over hikes in taxi fares, poor service, etc. However, are our taxi fares indeed that high?

When I was in Los Angeles, a 15-minute taxi ride from the airport to my hotel cost me a hefty US$105. I came back recently from Hong Kong where a 10-minute taxi ride from Tsim Sha Tsui cost me HK$110 (S$22). Moreover, in Hong Kong the increment is HK$1.50 (S$0.30) per tick for a shorter distance, as compared to Singapore.

We should not compare our taxi fares to fares in developing countries because there will inevitably be bias. Compared to countries in the same stage of development, our taxi fares should have been revised some time ago, to keep them in line with inflation and a rising standard of living.

Like other Singaporeans, taxi drivers have to make a living and keep up with rising oil and food prices.

If wage contracts could be indexed to inflation, fare revisions are necessary to protect taxi drivers against the phenomenon of rising prices.

Lawrence Lee Liang Wei