Dec 2011: ComfortDelgro revising Taxi Fare Structure

In the midst of high growing demand for taxi services, the ComfortDelgro Group revised its taxi fare structure to better match supply.

The new fare structure comprises of widening the peak hour surcharge from 6am to 9:30am in the morning in contrast with the usual 7am to 9:30am. The peak phases will also comprise weekends and Holidays.

As for the evening surcharge on City Area, it will be widen to Sundays and Public Holidays. The current $1.00 Public Holiday surcharge will be eradicated.

The revision also includes the reduction of call booking charges to better encourage public commuters to call for a taxi. In effect along with the changes in the fares and surcharges - it is likely to expect that the new fare of a standard 10km trip during peak periods to remain basically unmoved at $12.30.

Decrease in total fares for commuters who pass through by cabs during certain periods of the day will actually be perceived.

Increase in the total fares - on the other hand - will be felt by most commuters who pass through by cabs during high demand hours.

Chief executive officer Yang Ban Seng of ComfortDelgro Taxi Business said, "With population growth, the opening of the integrated resorts and major shopping malls, as well as a more vibrant night life, taxi demand has increased significantly in recent years. This is especially true for the evenings and weekends. The revised fare structure aims to better meet this increased demand for taxis."

President of Comfort Taxi Operators' Association Wee Been Kim, as a reply to the fare revision, stated: "The last taxi fare adjustment was done sometime in late 2007. It has been more than four years and like most Singaporeans, our drivers too look forward to annual improvements in their take-home income so as to provide a better life for their families."

The group announced in a statement that the changes will take effect at 6:00am on December 12.