 Public-transport operator SMRT will raise fares of some of its taxis from Monday, December 16.Flag-down rates of its Chevrolet Epica cabs will increase 20 cents to $3.60, while distance fares of its London, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai Starex and Ssangyong Rodius cabs will be raised to 30 cents.
It is currently 22 cents for every 400m travelled for up to 10km, every 350m after 10km and 45 seconds of waiting time. With the hike, commuters can expect to pay 30 per cent more on these SMRT cabs compared to existing fares. SMRT, which announced last month that it will be looking to raise its public transport fares, said the changes were to "keep pace with current rates in the industry". Trans-Cab and Premier Taxi said they had no plans to adjust fares at the moment, while Prime Taxi, the smallest player, said it will monitor the situation first. ComfortDelGro Corp, which runs Comfort and CityCab taxis, did not wish to comment on the fare hike until they take place. There are more than 27,400 cabs across eight brands plying the roads here, with three different metered fare structures and more than 10 different types of surcharges. The government announced last month that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will work with the Public Transport Council and taxi firms to look into simplifying fare structures for taxis here. HAVE YOUR SAY: Would this deter you from taking an SMRT cab? Share your views with us. |
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