Sunday 26 January 2014

Exemplary Driver SH6757X Alexandra Road

Ms Salina informs the following on 24/01/2014:
I would like to take this opportunity to compliment Mr Ng (relief driver) of Comfort cab number SH6757X.
My colleague and I called a cab on 13 January 2014 afternoon and he picked us up at our workplace. Once we reached our destination at AST (Academy of Singapore Teachers), I asked if he could wait for 10 minutes because we need to carry some stuff and then return back to our workplace. 
Overall, he waited almost 25 minutes because being women, we had to manually transport down our stuff (stationery, files etc) a couple of times because firstly the place is huge, secondly there was no lift and so many stairs! (Anyone who has been there would know!) Lucky thing he sms-ed, called, and told me that he was still waiting for us! 
Due to the inaccessibility, Mr Ng asked where he could find us and offered to help us carry down all our heavy materials plue the trolley! In fact, he didn't want us to carry the heavy things because we are women! We carried lighter stuff though. 
While waiting and helping us, we found out that he did not even on the meter! He’s an excellent exemplary, caring and concern cab driver we have ever encountered so far. His selfless act touched our hearts. We should have more nice cab drivers like him who are willing to go the extra mile without expecting anything in return! But of course, we gave him a good amount of tip! 
Thank you Mr Ng!! Hope to ride in your cab again!
Regards, Salina 
p.s: we have also drop this same compliment to LTA online feedback form! :)
Indeed, this is a heartwarming story to share amidst the usual accounts of rude, obnoxious and ridiculous behaviour by drivers. I'm glad that you have taken the effort to publicise this driver's outstanding service and we sincerely hope that other drivers can take a leaf out of Mr Ng's approach to his vocation. Hopefully one day, these are the only stories we hear on this site. Hopefully.

Tuesday 7 January 2014

Trans-Cab Again

Ms Geetika informs the following on 06/01/2014:
"I had lots of bad experience with Trans-cab. Latest one is when we took taxi from Changi Airport last night. We had lots of suitcases and it was difficult for us to keep adjusting the suitcases in the boot of Toyota Wish taxi, but the taxi driver stood beside the taxi watching us instead of helping us. When we stepped into the taxi I realised that he didn't had the ID card displayed in his taxi. While getting down at Jurong East this driver didn't even bothered to get down. He just took his money & left. If the driver could have helped us at the airport, it would have not delayed other passengers who have been standing for long in the queue. We pay 5sgd as airport tax, at least taxi driver should guide us if they don't want to lend a helping hand in handling the suitcase."
You raise a good point on the surcharge - the least the driver could do is give some advice on placing the luggage. Too bad you didn't take note of the licence plate number, otherwise you could lodge a feedback complaint to LTA online. All things considered, it must have been a good fare for him since you travelled from one end of Singapore to another - from the airport, no less. As usual, even the best circumstance for the driver is not enough to get some decent service.

Saturday 4 January 2014

Transcab Sticks Out Like A Sore Thumb

Truthful Truism informs the following on 18/12/2013:

I have been taking taxis almost daily for the past two years and have had my fair share of bad experience with irate taxi drivers from all taxi companies in Singapore.  
What really prompt me to send this feedback is the repeated bad experience I encountered with Trans-Cab Services. First, the taxis (especially Toyota Crown) are always badly maintained, at times with unhygenic standards. The taxi-drivers' attitude were rude and not customer-focus. Last year I had such a bad experience with one of Trans-Cab driver's attitude that I felt compell to write an official complaint to LTA. An LTA officer handled my case with extreme professionalism and the Trans-Cab driver was found guilty of "Failing to behave in a civil and orderly manner" under Rule 21 (a) of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Vocational Licences and Conduct of Drivers, Conductors and Passengers) Rules. It was further added that Trans-Cab taxis does not really enjoy a good reputation in Singapore in which I can attest to this statement. 
I am always skeptical in boarding the red Trans-Cab taxis but due to the 'scarcity' of taxis especially in peak hours or bad weather and rushing for time I don't have the choice. 
Another extreme unpleasant experience with Trans-Cab taxi was in October'13. I board a red Toyota Crown around 8pm at Raffles Place and due to the driver of not paying attention to the braking, an accident happened at PIE/CTE. Luckily I was not hurt physically but the female driver of the private car was so traumatised that she cried. All thanks to the quick response of LTA Cisco officer, the matter was resolved systematically. However this accident was a real pissed-off to me, it could have been avoid if the driver of this Trans-Cab taxi driver have been more alert and concentrate.  
Just yesterday 17/12/13, left with no choice/alternatives I board a red Toyota Wish (SHD 9361H) at Amara Hotel 100am at 6: 25pm. I was taken aback to see the male driver keep his hair long, so long that he kept on managing his long hair with a hair band when driving! I was praying throughout the journey to have a safe journey. Thankfully nothing bad or pervasive happened. 
In short, I am quite happy with all taxi companies in Singapore with the exception of Trans-Cab taxis. There were several ocassions during early morning thunderstorms, SMRT taxis responded with my iphone bookings within 5 mins. The rest, in this aspects fails miserably.  
Already in the internet there were loads of nasty complaints against Trans-cab but the taxi company of such couldn't care less, much talk about improvement!

We've heard in the past that some cab companies have a lower standard when it comes to allowing hirers to operate their taxis and so those who get removed from other cab companies due to poor attitude end up collectively at the lowest-standard among all the cab companies. We're not sure if Transcab falls under that category but this could explain your observations of these drivers. We are heartened that you continue to pursue bad behaviour and take errant drivers to task - and we encourage all our readers to do so. Remember, it is by standing up against the ruffians that we can restore order.