Crazy Abusive Driver 3545 Tampines

Ms L informs the following on 24/07/2012:

On 23July moring, i called comfort hotline to book a cab. a cab of car plate no: 3545 came to pick me up at about 9.40am at Blk 338 Tampines St 33. Destination: Toa Payoh Hdb Hub taxi stand/drop off point. cab driver was a chinese guy either in his 30s-50s. middle-aged guy.

thru the journey, i felt a little uncomfortable as i felt that d driver was looking at me thru d mirror. nevertheless, i just look out of d window to ignore.

during d journey, i received a call from 1 of my colleagues, saying that he has reached d destination for our appt. well d taxi driver could have overheard d conversation, and probably he was aware that i was in a hurry, such that he drove really fast, going for d fastest lane 1, occasionally switching to lane 2.

the horror happened when the cab reached TPY Hdb hub at about 10.07am, i looked at the taxi fare metre, it was $12.xx (with additional surcharge of $2.30, as d cab booking fee, displayed on d smaller fare metre just beside d main fare metre).

As i was in a hurry, i took out either $13 (one $10 note, one $2note, and one $1 gold coin) or $15 (one $10 note, two $2note, and one $1 gold coin). I wasnt very sure as i was in a hurry.

as i am running late for my appt, (I felt even more urgent to rush for my appt as there were 8 adults all waiting for me to arrive, (Ive proof to show that i really have an appt at 10am), all of the 8 people reached early at 9am+), so i told the driver that i left d $$ "there" (on d usual place to contain d cab fare) and i left d cab running to attend my appt.

to my surprise, the cab driver ran after me, but he stopped running and stood there, shouting at d top of his voice: "Hey how can u run off like this?! You have not paid your cab fare!!"

Cab driver went on yelling to repeat the same sentence a few times! i was so shocked! As i turned and ran towards this driver, though it was obvious that i did not attempt to ran further away from him, but the fact was that i was running towards him, he still continued screaming the same sentence in a seemingly insane/uncontrollable manner. but i was running towards him to find out what has happened! but how come he was still shouting away? (was it a bid to shame me publicly since he could not stop yelling?)

As I arrived right in front of him, I saw that he had my earlier given cab fare in his hands. He told me that it is $15! I took out a $10 note from my wallet, i took the $3 from him, and gave him the additional $10 note. so in total, i paid him $20 (two $10 note) for a $15 cab fare! i told him to keep the change. but he still yelled at me, saying how can i run away just like that?

I have an acquintance who happened to hear the yelling, he laughed at me and sarcastically asked me why am i running like that...

it is a shaming and demoralising situation. As a passenger who given paid extra $5 to the driver, he still yelled at me!

in d first place, even if i really made a mistake to give him $13 for a $15 worth of cab fare (a shortfall mere of S$2), is there a need to run after me and yell at me at the top of his voice shouting : "how can you ran away?! you have not paid the cab fare!!"

Throughout the whole situation, despite his offensive screaming, i remained quiet - i.e. i did not shout back at him, as i was pretty taken aback!

i would rather that he ran and stop in front of me, to settle things amicably and in a normal acceptable speaking tone, than a threatening/shaming/embarrassing loud voice. it was so loud that i doubt level 3 also can hear it!

The shouting took place within the air conditioned premises of toa payoh hdb hub level 1, the portion where there are alot of floor plan flat models/type of floor tiles. It was a peak hour where there are many ppl - i.e. 30ppl at least?

Is this the way consumers deserve? I am sure that if the context is in a restaurant, as in if this driver were a waiter, and if his manager witnessed the screaming, this employee would have been fired on the spot!

No consumer deserved such yelling treatment! Moreover it was not a deliberate action on my part. I ve not done anything to provoke it to react in such an irrational manner. moreover i m a young lady in my late 20s and is this the way a guy should behave?

This incident has greatly affected me for the past few days. I m feeling fearful, angry, deeply embarrassed/feeling shameful by the incident, and i broke down in tears at certain point of d day.. I dont own a car, heavily relying on taxi to bring me around, i really feel v uncomfortable now even though i m a paying consumer. 

You shouldn't have to feel upset at all. It is obvious that this moron driver feels so despicable about himself that he needs to be an idiot in order to feel good about his pathetic life. Instead, you should take back the power into your hands and lodge a feedback to LTA through their online feedback form to put on record this ruffian's behaviour. As you mentioned, the 'manager'  ought to be informed and in the case of these drivers, it is LTA (NOT the cab company). It is when each of us plays our part that the cummulative effect can be felt - by lodging the complaint, you can ensure that no other person suffers at the hands of this driver like you did.

Unprofessional Ruffian Driver SH2364U Marsiling

Rodente informs the following on 14/07/2012:

I just want to share my experience regarding this very rude taxi driver which I hired last July 13, 2012. The taxi plate number is SH 2364 U.

I was on my way to Marsiling Community Club to play badminton. And since I am running out of time, I took the cab instead of the usual bus I take. When I entered this uncle's taxi, i knew already that he was not in the good mood by the tone of his voice. But I just ignored him because I am on my happy mood since I will be seeing my friends to play badminton.

He asked me where to go. And I told him Marsiling CC, and he replied me with a very harsh tone, "Aiyoh, give me the address!" Then I said, "100 Admiralty Road." Then he replied, "I don't know! Show me! Show me!" On that point I almost scolded him for not knowing the address but I still kept cool and told him that it is right beside the mosque because I knew that he will know the place since I noticed that he is a Malay Muslim. Then he replied with a disgusted tone with a broken English grammar, "So near only! Why need take cab? Few blocks only can walk!" Well, that is not his concern as long as I pay.

So he drove me to the CC and I saw that I need to pay $7.60. Then I pulled my $50 bill and pay him and that is the time he went berserk!

He started shouting inside his taxi and yelling like this, "Are you crazy?!!! Only $7.60? You pay me 50?! Crazy!!! I just went out! No money yet! You don't think huh?!". Then that is the time I lost it... I told him that "It is already 7 pm and if you do not have change to my $50 you go out and have it changed! You know that you will be driving your taxi and you do not have change for a small note?". Then he replied with all his insults that he can think of. He noticed that I am a foreigner and started yelling, "You think you are a big shot huh? You think you are better than me? I am a Singaporean and you are 'just' a worker here! Go back to your poor country!"

I almost shoot him back with all the insults that for sure he will go more crazy but I knew better not to stoop down to his very low level. I am a well-educated professional and there is no way I can talk reason to people with brains that function only when they are angry.

Then luckily one of my badminton friends walk past us and asked what is going on. And I asked him for a smaller bill. By then, the driver was still shouting every insult his small pitifull brain can think of. I just shut the taxi's door and walked away...

Well, I still played a very good game after that. Luckily, he never ruined my game. But he certainly ruined my day.

It is not surprising that these lazy drivers go into a fit of hysteria when they have to make short trips. They fail to realise that commuters peruse taxis for various reasons and their job is not to determine who should or should not take taxis but is to simply drive the passenger as instructed. If it is so difficult, then this ruffian should not have chosen to become a driver. As ever, we urge you to lodge a complaint with LTA through their online feedback form immediately so that it can be filed and reports can be accumulated against this driver. The licence plate looks very familiar and I believe someone has already complained about this driver to us before.

Psycho Driver SHD9202J Haji Lane

Ms V informs the following on 10/06/2012:

I think what you're doing is great. It was helpful to know that it is useless to complain to the cab company directly. It also helped me reel in from the shock from my experience knowing that there are others who have been through these situations before.

I take cabs regularly for the past 10+ years and have met my fair share of excellent and shitty drivers. Today I met the worst, a psycho "Ah Beng" driver who prompted me to take action for the first time.

Here is a copy of my complaint.

Subject

Violent Outburst from Taxi Driver

Message

At approximately 3pm today, My boyfriend and I was picked up by (what we believe was Trans Cab) SHD9202J at Haji Lane, destined for --------. Other than noticing he was driving more aggresively than most, the trip was quite uneventful until we reached the vicinity of Newton Circus where he chose a different route than usual. Commenting on this unfamilliar route, I calmly mentioned that I thought this was a longer route compared to what I was familliar with. While I was expecting a simple and cordial reply, we were met with a barrage of verbal abuses and accusations. Among these he shouted that I was accusing him of purposely taking a longer route with the intention of lodging a complaint against him. He taunted me several times to lodge a complaint. While shocked, I tried to calm him down and explain that was not my intent. I said I was just stating my opinion, that he actions are uncalled for. I am perfectly certain that I did not speak to him in a way that would result in this sort of manic behavior in a normal person. What was a trivial misunderstanding turned into a violent and unpleasant trip as he started to drive more haphazardly, going faster and breaking harder. His voice grew louder and more menacing. He taunted my boyfriend to make me shut up and while he quietly observed the situation all this time, that broke his silence. My boyfriend retorted that he should calm down and shut up. At this point, he hit the brake hard and his hands were hitting the steering wheel as he shouted at us to get out. After doing so, he put his vehicle on N and revved it hard for some time as we walked away. All this took place in less than 3 minutes. The video of the Ferrari car crash showed that some cabs are equipped with video and voice recording device. If this cab has that capacity, it is evidence for my claim. I was left in tears from fear and thankfulness, that my boyfriend was there to stand up for me as I would have otherwise been rendered helpless to this violent man. This man is a bully with no self control. His taunts seems to show that he has no fear of complaints which is the reason why I decided to speak directly to the LTA. I understand this is his lifelihood and do not wish him to suffer. However, I trust you will take fair and meaningful action to protect other customers from this man's violent inclinations.

Indeed, it is precisely for this purpose - that our collective experiences can serve to inform and direct our concerted efforts against these ruthless rogues on our roads - that this blog exists. Together, we can force these idiots into behaving or off our roads once and for all. By giving the benefit of the doubt we are merely handing over the power to them to treat us like subservient beings.

Fraud Driver SHB1278D Nicoll Highway

Mr Justin K informs the following on 04/06/2012:

I hope this post will help alert all road users to be careful of these immoral, unethical and irresponsible drivers and always stay safely away from taxis or other vehicles. Also, if possible, install cameras in your cars.

On 1 June 2012, around 8.45pm, I met with an accident on Nicoll Highway involving an SMRT taxi, and a Nissan Latio, though only my car was damaged. I was driving smoothly behind this taxi at a constant speed, not tailgating nor attempting to overtake, when the taxi suddenly e-braked in the middle of the highway. Although I saw the brake light on, I did not expect it to be an e-brake and thus slowed down my car only slightly. About a second later after realising the taxi came to a complete halt, it was probably too late for me to jam my e-brake. I reckon that if I e-braked, I may crash my head as I swing forward since I was travelling fast on a highway. Also, it could be dangerous as cars behind may crash straight into my car. I have never attempted e-brake on a highway at highspeed and thus did not know how long the stopping distance would be.

Thus, I checked my right mirror and blindspot and swerved to the right upon clearance to avoid crashing into the taxi. I managed to avoid a crash into other vehicles but unfortunately, the speed was pretty fast and I was unable to steer the car back straight in time and therefore hit the kerb, mounted it and my car began staggering. After coming to consciousness in a second, I put the brakes and parked ahead of the Nissan Latio, which was in front of the SMRT taxi.

Both cars stopped in the middle of the highway when my accident happened, the Nissan ahead of the taxi. I got out of my car as I thought I hit the taxi. But both the other cars were unhurt. The taxi screamed at the Nissan driver and pinned the blame on him for causing the accident. He said that his taxi was equipped with video recording and he had all the evidence that the Nissan driver was the cause of the crash. The taxi driver asked me to claim from the Nissan for my car damage and that he would provide me with the recordings as well as be a witness if need be. I took down the number plates of both vehicles and their contact numbers but the Nissan driver appeared reluctant and unwilling to claim responsibility.

According to the taxi driver, he blamed the Nissan driver for cutting into his lane without signalling and jammed the brakes. He said that he blasted high beam at the Nissan and thus the Nissan driver jammed his brakes, causing the taxi to also e-brake. Their squabble has resulted in my accident.

I called up the Nissan driver the following day after sending my car for assessment. He refused to claim responsibility and to engage in a discussion, bringing in 3rd parties to talk to me. It was a tough case for me to win too because his car had no damage and I hear that in most instances, cars in front never had to pay for any damage even though they intentionally caused the accident. I urge more drivers to be aware of this Singapore "Law".

Thus, I decided to approach the taxi driver who had offered to provide me with the evidence he had. Previously, he sounded nice over the phone and told me to settle out of court first with the Nissan driver and only if he refused to bear responsibility should I then bring the matter up to the police. However, after I told the taxi driver that the Nissan driver refused to bear the costs of repair, he said he will send me the video evidence that night.

I waited for a day in vain. The taxi hasn't send me anything. I called him up and he asked me why the driver didn't bear the responsibility. I gave him an account of my conversation with the Nissan driver and told him about the brainless law. He said he will send me the video that night again. I waited again but still received nothing. I texted him the next day but received no reply at all. I believe he is going into hiding.

Right now, I realised that the taxi driver wasn't even as helpful as he claimed to be. It got me thinking whether his account of the incident was truthful. I wonder if he could probably be the cause of the squabble instead of the Nissan driver. Also, I wonder if the taxi had conspired with the Nissan driver, hoping that I crash into him. I have no idea what exactly happened between the two of them.

Lessons learnt from this case for me that I would like to share with everyone. Do not believe the accounts of drivers that caused your accident - all of them are selfish and want to avoid liability. I wish that Singaporeans have more morality and sense of responsibility. Take photographs of the accident, of the drivers and car plates.

I believe that the perpetrators should be responsible for the costs of repair. But I'm unsure of how to have a case against them. I guess for such a unusual case as mine, maybe we should stay at our accident location and wait for traffic police to arrive to settle the matter. Clearing up the location will only wipe out all evidences against these rogue drivers.

We are not surprised by such behaviour from these drivers. Never trust a taxi driver under any circumstances no matter how helpful or friendly they might be. Documentary evidence is still the best assurance so we must make sure we can prove our case and not rely on other parties - especially such drivers. Hopefully, your story will help others to be more cautious if they find themselves in a similar situation.

Idiot Driver SHB9637Z Commonwealth Drive

Ms Charlotte informs the following on 28/05/2012:

I happened to chance upon your blog and I hope you can share my story.

Today, around 2.39PM, i was turning out of Commonwealth Drive into Queensway Underpass. The extreme left lane which I was turning into was empty and there were no on-coming vehicles. This trans cab SHB9637Z was in the middle lane when it suddenly swerved right in front of me. Luckily for both of us, I was turning at a slow speed and hence, managed to brake in time.

I was so shocked by its sudden reckless act that I did not even manage to horn at him. Next, I watched him drive dangerously close to the car in front of it. I'm really disgusted by this driver and his irresponsibility. As I'm currently pregnant, if we had a car accident, can he answer to my family or the dad of my unborn child?

There were no cars behind me so he could have slowed down and changed lanes after I had past. Why did he have to swerve in so dangerously? The left filter lane ahead was at least a good distance so there is no excuse about missing it at all.

Really appreciate if you can share this. I will be blogging about it too and sharing your blog as well as this story on my blog.

As usual, these drivers are forever in a rush to die and take all the other motorists with them. This is not at all unusual - where the driver inexplicable resorts to some seriously dangerous driving, only to reach the next traffic light. I think over the years such drivers have lost their motoring sense altogether and are just aimless idiots behind steering wheels. I am sick and tired of having to be the one vigilant instead of these drivers taking care on the roads. The best approach is therefore to use the authority to bend these crooked drivers back to shape, which can only be done by lodging a complaint whenever and wherever we encounter them. I thus strongly urge you to lodge a complaint with LTA through their online feedback form immediately.

Insane Harrassment 3064 Bayshore Park

Mr LC informs the following on 12/03/2012:

First of all, I would like to congratulate you for the great initiative on your site against the rudeness of the taxi drivers in Singapore nowadays.

My job requires many, many taxi journeys around Singapore in different locations. I had plenty of incidents and I witnessed countless times of indecent and rude behavior from many taxi drivers, but nothing compares with the incident I had last Thursday (8 of March 2012) @10:25 am in Bayshore Park - East Coast.

I booked a cab and I got one shortly. I went in front of the building, saw the cab and, as I wouldn't want to take other people's taxi- I decided to politely ask the driver if he was booked with my name. The following dialog took place:

Me: " Good morning sir. Can you please tell me if this taxi is booked?"

Taxi driver: " Who do you think you are to ask me that question?!" - in a very loud and rude way.

Me: " I am sorry sir, I just want to know if this taxi is booked on my name since I just booked a taxi a couple of minutes ago and I received the confirmation that it arrived".

Taxi driver: " Who do you think you are to ask me if I am booked or not?! This taxi is not for you!"

I checked the number of the taxi and I apologized (shocked by the man's behavior).

In the meantime, my taxi arrived and before taking it, (again politely) I decided to ask the angry taxi driver if I upset him with something and tell him that his behaviour is not appropriate.

Instantly he got out of his car and in front of other shocked people passing by, he started to yell that he is going to sue me (over and over again) if I will complain about this incident. I got in my taxi, but he was coming toward my car repeating "I am going to sue you! See you in court!" and (!!!) showing me obscene gestures with his hands and body repeatedly.

I nicely took his car number, 3064, but I don't have the full number - as I was in shock and frankly quite afraid by his inappropiate behavior. I remember it was a half black \ half yellow cab. It might have been a private driver - @50 years old.

Being a kind man and tending to forgive, I firstly wanted to just let it go and not let it affect my day, but the driver of the taxi I got in, also shocked, told me that this was absolutely not right and I should call LTA immediately. I did call LTA and submitted a complaint against the taxi driver. I also took the particulars of MY taxi driver (name and car number) just in case I'll need a witness.

This is not my first incident but it IS the first one I'm complaining about, as I can't tolerate this kind of behavior anymore. There are plenty of people out there willing to get a job in these taxi companies.

This has to be looked into and I am very determined now to pursue this case and follow it closely until appropriate action is taken.

I am tired of closing an eye on the fact that many of the taxi drivers in Singapore are rude, nosy, drive much too fast (sometimes the speed reaches 140 km/h! while barely able to keep their eyes open, as they are very tired after a long shift). This incident was the last drop in the bucket for me. The situation is way out of control. There must be some rules that apply to them and an authority that supervises what they do.

Please advice me on what I can do. This kind of people must be stopped from behaving like in a jungle. Common sense tells me we need to be civil to one another, regardless of race, age or social status.

This is precisely what happens to all of us. We keep quiet and tolerate these drivers time and time again because [they are old/it's a difficult life for them/we have no time to pursue the matter] - and the only thing this serves to achieve is to encourage worse behaviour from them. And only when the behaviour is outrageous or when our life is in danger do we think about pursuing the matter. Unfortunately, it is too late by then and the hooligan you've had the misfortune of dealing with in this case is probably beyond redemption. This ruffian needs to be removed from the roads now for the safety of the people but he may have been saved if a few of us had lodged a complaint at the point when he was just an obnoxious and rude driver. Thank you for appreciating this little blog and I hope the many others who drop by here take the effort to lodge a complaint with LTA through their online feedback form whenever they come across rude drivers. As a rule of thumb, I lodge a complaint when the behaviour is something that I would not tolerate from my teenage daughter or from my colleagues. We shouldn't complain for petty things but we also shouldn't tolerate callousness.

Driver Dares Passenger To Complain SHD2154K Bencoolen

SM informs the following on 12/03/2012:

Last night; 11 March 2012 Sunday at around 9.15pm, outside IBIS Hotel Bencoolen lobby, I was there to fetch my Hong Kong friend to my place at Sengkang with 2 kids (10 and 11) and elderly lady (and myself.). A total of 3 adults and 2 kids.

The hotel's concierge service staff was at the lobby organizing the taxi and queue.

At that juncture, there were no crowd (only us) and only that taxi (SHD 2154 K) parking at the pouch. The hotel staff signal the taxi and he drove out of the pouch to the pick up point and seeing us having 5 persons, he told us that he could not took us. I understand the regulation and said it is fine.

The concierge staff suggested us to book a 7-seater taxi for SGD 50 per trip and I told him that was expensive. He then suggested that we booked 2 taxi and it was a great ideas and I asked him to go ahead to arrange. He signal the first taxi ((SHD 2154 K) to come by and told him that we have intended to go by two taxis instead of one. To my horrific surprise, he told the concierge staff that he doesn't want to take us and signal to the Caucasian lady (by now, she is behind us) to come forward to him. As both him and Caucasian lady were discussing on the route to go, I walked toward the taxi and lean forward to the passenger window and asked him “Are you choosing your passenger now?".

He replied me "What do I means" and I told him who was on the line first (me or the Caucasian lady) and asked him again is he choosing who he wanted to take?

By now, the Caucasian lady hearing our conversation has walked back to the queue. I told the taxi driver I am going to feedback to his company.

I was shocked to hear what he was going to say to me next...

He told me adamantly to go ahead to complaint and said thank you to me for complaining him.

He was challenging me to complaint on him!!!

And there after he drove off.

The arrogance and ugliness behavior of this taxi driver leave a bad impression of my visiting friend from Hong Kong and even as Singaporeans, I am freak out by this kind of customer service and attitude.

I am not a trouble maker and I certainly has no time to write complaining letter but because of his unbecoming attitude of being a service provider as taxi driver and insistence to ask me to complaint, I am determined to expose him to the authority.

This is the result of too many of us giving the benefit to these drivers and practicing a 'let it go' mindset when we encounter such ruffians. When a driver behaves rudely and sees that there is no repercussion, he will simply be emboldened to be even more rude the next time. It is just a matter of time before the driver becomes a thug or hooligan in car and by then it is too late to correct the attitude. This is the problem that we are facing right now and it was my intention to help change this forgiving mindset of taxi commuters. We must tackle bad behaviour when it rears its ugly head and not after it has become rooted as a habit.

Driver Finds Trouble Over Nothing SHC2030P Bukit Batok

Ms Caroline informs the following on 17/01/2012:

WHERE: CARPARK AREA OF BLK 150, BUKIT BATOK

WHEN: MONDAY, 16 JANUARY 2012 AT 1845 HOURS

TAXI NO: SHC2030P

I had a shouting match with this blue Comfort taxi driver.  I was in front of an empty parking lot, dropping my elderly parents, my sister and her 5 year old daughter to get their dinner.  I was about to drive off when this taxi, did a 3 point turn in front of my car and backing onto me.  I panicked and honked softly to remind him of my presence.  I couldn't reverse to avoid him  as my family was standing next and behind my car,

Then, he went forward, this time backing onto me at a faster speed and I blew my honk at him and he halted his vehicle.  My sister went to him asked him whether he could see my car that was just behind him.

He wounded down his window and said rudely that he wanted the Lot No. 17 behind me.  My sis told him he could have that lot and I was about to leave, I couldn't because he was blocking my way.  If I actually wanted to park that lot, I would have gotten an ugly fight with him.  My dad, who just came back from the hospital after stitching his wound from a chest operation, tried to reason with him and became breathless.  I figured I have to get out of the car at this stage as my dad is very sick (with Stage 4 lung cancer).  I asked him why must he drive in that manner and that I wasn't going to park at that Lot No. 17, so what was the impatience for?

I told him that he almost knocked onto me, he rose his voice and asked, "Did I knock on your car? Where? Where?" and this lasted for about 10 mins.  This kind of behavior is uncalled for.  Among those people watching was a man in a car waiting at the side, shaking his head and pointing at the unreasonable cabby, he saw the whole episode.  Too bad I did not ask him to be my witness and my dad was hurrying me to go and not to argue anymore with him (I didn't want to upset my dad) or else I would have gotten the police to be involve.

I want to add my story to the number of complaints about the ugly side of taxi drivers.  In actual fact, I believe this all lies down to SELFISHNESS, KIASU AND RUDENESS in their character.  I believe there is still justice around and we should not let these people rule the road. 

Sometimes I wonder why the actress was so mad that she vent anger at the taxi that caused her so much anxiety?  (she might be helpless and defenceless when she did that) I also wonder whether some facts were hidden by the so callled "innocent" taxi driver we did not know.  I would have also gotten depression if I get into this situation too ... This episode already gave me a sleepless night and unhappiness.

The most basic courtesy could have avoided this scenario altogether but time and again we see drivers who are intent on dragging out a situation for nothing. Sometimes, it seems as though they are itching for a fight so that they can play the victim and earn damages through court proceedings. The best thing to do here is to lodge a complaint with LTA through their online feedback form so that the necessary action can be taken against this driver. If this driver can blow up over such a trivial situation, one can only wonder what he might escalate to in a serious circumstance.

Driver Abandoned Passenger SHD5361 Bukit Merah

Mr Vijay informs the following on 12/01/2012:

Today Morning,at about 10:25 am I boarded transcab SHD5361, who turned off his BUSY status & took me. After I told him Bukit Merah, he nodded his head and asked "U have cash?

When he noticed me observing his Nets Machine" I said ok, and said my exact location as "221 Henderson".

He then questioned me why I initially said Bukit Merah, and then said Henderson and to make up my mind.

I gave a blank expression,Wondering why is he questioning me this when I expected him to know that Henderson's in Bukit merah.

Bt I didn't say anything.He then asked me how I wanted to go and whether I know the route or not? I asked him as a Cab Driver aren't you supposed to know your route? He then said, he's a not a "DRIVER", and after a couple hundred metres, asked me to get out.

I then said, "OK,OK Nevermind, I'll guide you..please just go. I'm late for my meeting"

Next thing I know he stopped his meter, and told me to get out and find another cab..

He then said " Go ahead, Go and complain" when I asked him for his number plate.

Please help me to report this CAB DRIVER To the relevant authorities and to teach him the basic ethics of being a cab driver. I sincerely hope this letter reaches the relevant authorities to weed out the rogue element within the cab driver's community.

This is a fine example of how brazen these drivers have become. They are so confident that passengers are so forgiving that they will take such abuse and not do anything about it, that they are now daring you to do so. They also think we are not savvy to lodge a complain with the relevant authority and will instead approach the cab company - which will do nothing more than offer lip service. If we don't step up our efforts to address service failures and rogue behaviour through the relevant agency, this will become 'normal'. We urge you strongly to lodge a complaint immediately with the LTA through their online feedback form regarding this incident so that the driver will regret uttering the challenge to you. If we make it a habit to lodge a complaint when we encounter these rogue drivers, the ones who are truly incorrigible can be identified easily - and duly removed from our roads.

Gangster Driver SHC8492A Whitesands Mall

On 27/12/2011, Ms Azira informed the following:

Is about a Comfort Blue Taxi who simply don't deserve to have neither a Taxi License nor a Driving License. As me and my fiancee is a staff of a well known Driving Centre in Singapore we sure know our road rules VERY well. Furthermore, my fiancee is a qualified license driving school instructor.

We exit Whitesands and was stopped at the slop up for about 3 to 5 minutes as cars exiting the mall are being obstructed by the issue I brought up of cars parked and stopped to alight the NSF candidates.

After exiting the mall, as its a one way road, we turn left to exit to the main road. We pass by a bend, which is connected to a small loading and unloading delivery bay. The delivery bay have a STOP line at the exit. But taxi SHC 8482 A came DASHING out speeding in, without STOPPING, checking or having his signal light on. There's a silver car on the left lane and our car is on the right lane and
as it's a bend a lorry is closely right behind me on the right. The taxi nearly knocked my car. My fiancee have to jam break the car as the taxi nearly caused an accident. I am relief that i have a professional driver with me, try imagine having my new driver friend with me and having me at the passenger sit. I'll be crushed with injuries right now!
BUT, being that way he still force his taxi in our way.

I was sitting at the passenger sit and with anger i wind down the window to scold him and asked him to stop. He die-die tried to squeeze in as u can see in my attached Picture 6.The picture was taken from the Passenger sit and you can see that the taxi is in the middle of the road in between my car and the silver car on the lef

After seeing me scolding him (taxi Driver) he stopped, the lorry behind us gave way for us to go forward, not giving any space for the taxi to go in and the lorry when through after us.

Soon after exiting, the taxi speed up and CATCH UP at a lane next to us and stopped at a traffic light. As we are reaching the traffic light for a stop, LESS THEN 0.5 METERS THE TAXI SWERVE AND CHANGED LANE AND CAME IN TO OUR LANE AT A VERY LAST MINUTE!!!!!!! AND YET again we have to sudden break as there's cars behind us. Picture 7 the cab is in-front of us.

I regret to say that this taxi driver surely need to re-sit for his driving test to learn over the RULES AND REGULATIONS on road to make him recognize the road markings and road signs provided. Not just having Taxi Refresher course that is simply sit and listen but to have a theory test at the end of each course to make sure that Taxi Driver remember the Dos and don'ts on the road so taxi drivers won't be a hazard to other drivers.

This is not the first time me and my fiancee have issues with taxi drivers but this is to the extend that i totally need to bring this up to all of your attention.

To Comfort Taxi, to me this taxi driver totally brings SHAME towards the logo of his cab. Comfort Delgro is the biggest transportation provider here in Singapore and provides superb service but having a taxi driver with no driving knowledge?? How did he become a taxi driver at the first place??

This is yet another example of taxi drivers who behave as though they own the roads. Nonchalant and careless attitude towards other road users seem to be the norm. You should consider lodging a complaint through LTA's feedback website as our collective experience shows that this is the most efficient way of ensuring corrective action is taken.

Couldn't Be Bothered Driver SHC7457J Woodlands

Mr Firdaus informs the following on 10/12/2011:

On the 3rd of Dec 2011, at about 3.25pm, me and my wife with our daughter were heading to woodland community club for wedding invitation. It was drizzling when we are at blk 687 choa chu kang drive. Therefore, due to the concern of my 3 month old daughter, we decided to take a cab. furthermore, we are running late.

The taxi number SHC 7457J came by and took us there. The driver seems to be purposely delaying the journey. He is travelling at 55km/h and apply jam braked on amber at sungai kadut. Its like being purposed without considering a baby passenger behind. He also act like as if the taxi doesnt have gps. When i took out my iphone, he seems to be having a guilty look when i highlighted to him that he should go nearer way instead of long and jam road.

He also share his dirty experience by picking up prostitute  to get free sex by sending them home free of charge. He do it in the taxi.

Upon reaching the location, he used his hp without earpiece. Causing his taxi more to the right of his lane. Before making u-turn, he sms while driving. Me and my wife just couldnt say anything. As if like he is my customer.

For travelling from yew tee to woodlands... I had to pay $10.40.

When i told him that i will report what he did during the journey, he stare at me unhappily and scolded me in hokkien.

As a taxi driver, this is not a polite service and it shows how bad a singaporean taxi drivers are.

Please advice me, how do i make a complaint against him?

This seems very straightforward. You need to protect others from suffering the same fate by lodging a complaint with LTA through their online feedback form immediately. This type of ruffians are best removed completely from our roads. What despicable behaviour - but sadly unsurprising.

Reader Opinion: Taxi Drivers Involved in 14% of Accidents

On 25/11/2011, mightymo informs the following:

"From online and other data sources I discovered that Singapore Taxi’s account for 3% of total vehicle population but shockingly Singapore Taxi Drivers are involved in 14% of all reported road accidents. According to online portal AsiaOne Motoring, Taxis are involved in approximately 60 accidents a day (source: AsiaOne)!

Do drivers of service vehicles in Singapore, carelessly go about on public roads getting involved in accidents knowing full well that their daily earnings will be taken care of, in the event that they be involved in an accident. This is unacceptable and irresponsible behaviour by public and service transport providers.

I am concerned because there is also statistical data revealing that there has been an increase in elderly pedestrian fatalities. Additionally, I have come across more and more motorist (motorcyclists included) who are mounting cameras as a safe guard, in their vehicles. Is this what road behaviour has come to in Singapore.

The question is; before the advent of lane markings, traffic lights and technical regulatory devices in place would a taxi driver behaved such? The answer is that most would have slowed down because there is an intersection and the taxi driver would have slow down his earnings would be severely affected should he not be operational.

It seems that a significant proportion of Singapore Taxi Drivers appear only bright enough to be governed by lights, rules and regulations, as the majority lack good common sense and care! Why is it that drivers of these vehicles do not realize that the signals, speed limits, signs and lines on our roads can only act to help bring about safer road use, the devices themselves do not bring about road safety! There is a second part to this equation and this rests with the intellect of the individual.

I have a suggestion to make that will see one influential group of drivers change their driving habits and improve Singapore safety statistics immediately. This should be directed at Taxi Drivers and Operators for a start.

Public service vehicle insurance policies should be amended to exclude any claims that will cover Rental Cost and Income Losses for hirers involved in traffic accidents. Taxi Drivers, who are hirers cannot possibly be treated as clients renting a vehicle for personal use with an option to recover costs of use.

On last check Taxi Drivers are registered as being Self Employed are they not? Does this mean that a taxi driver can go on a paid holiday when his vehicle is laid up for accident repairs and are current policies funding such? It appears obvious that this policy change will immediately see road behavior improve and accident rates decrease with this influential group of road users.

Consequently we should also see the number of insurance claims reduce (inflated or not) alongside an improved taxi service, with fuller fleet representation."

If only we could change the system in such a way! But the authorities are none too bothered because only the (powerless) middle-class use this mode of transport. Ministers, MPs, CEOs and chairmen of regulatory bodies almost never have to experience a taxi ride.

Gangster Driver 8704 Marine Terrace

Mr Edwin Ng informs the following on 28/10/2011:

Comfort Transportation Pte Ltd
CityCab Pte Ltd
383 Sin Ming Drive
Singapore 575717
Tel: 6555 1188
Fax: 6452 7742
feedback@cdgtaxi.com.sg

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing to inform you of an incident which with one of your taxis nearly hit me and a companion at a zebra crossing. (attached is a police report).

At approximately 2315hrs on 26 Oct 2011 I was crossing the zebra crossing opposite Blk 12 Marine Terrace.  I spotted the blue comfort taxi at about 10m away heading towards Marine Crescent. Assuming he would slow down. I proceeded to cross the zebra crossing.

When I was nearly at the middle of the crossing, the taxi sped up and missed me by approximately 30cm. It was so close and sudden that I dropped my belongings.  I was totally taken aback by what happened.

The taxi driver braked abruptly after the zebra crossing and proceeded to make an illegal u-turn about 10meters ahead with tyres screeching suggesting urgency.
I had a sense of comfort thinking that the driver might have realized what he had done and had turned back to check on me and to render assistance. That was however not the case.

The driver drove up to the zebra crossing, stopping on it and wound down his window and started shouting at me.  I could not hear him clearly as I was more than half way across the road. I walked closer to the taxi and he started accusing me of being a gangster.  He only sped off when my companion took out his camera. I remembered his license plate as 8704.

The poor behaviour of this driver have made me very upset and disappointed. I was not expecting this kind of behaviour from our country’s leading Taxi Company. It would have been bad if it was a private car but to come from a service provider is totally absurd and atrocious.

Taxi drivers need to know that the roads are getting busier and not treat it like a race track where they can speed around and disregard the safety of pedestrians.
Failure to give way to pedestrians at designated crossing is serious and should not be taken lightly as lives can be lost.

I am writing to you to please make a thorough investigation and to identify the driver.

I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

Edwin Ng

The cab company is likely to brush this off with an insincere token reprimand that is hardly going to affect the hooligan driver. We highly recommend lodging a report with LTA instead through their online feedback form so that something more long-term can be done. It's obviously a matter of time before this moron kills someone.

Red Light Maniac Driver SH5238Y Toa Payoh

Mr Brandon Chan informs the following on 26/10/2011:

This taxi driver failed to conform to traffic red light signal. Pedestrians were almost halfway through the walkway (Green pedestrian light), when the cab, drove right through us.

In addition, he was spotted using a mobile phone on his left hand while he beat the red light. It was a very dangerous act by the driver. Compromised our (pedestrian's safety) for his interests. Not to mention liable for 12 demerit points for breaking the law. Very dangerous driver. Ought to be removed from the roads.

Date: October 26, 2011

Time : 9.55 pm

Location : Along Lorong 8, Toa Payoh. Traffic light at lorong 8 market.

Yellow Top Taxi : SH 5238 Y

Male driver

PS. Is it possible to lodge a complaint with Traffic Police. Thanks in advance.

Yes, most definitely you should contact the Traffic Police and inform them of this incident. They might be able to prosecute this reckless driver based on your testimony. The only thing is that you must be prepared to give your statement and attend court to provide your testimony to a judge. But if the TP turn you down or you are not willing to attend court, then you should at least inform LTA through their online feedback form so that some level of action will be taken instead of this hooligan getting away scot-free.

Injury-Causing Driver

Mr Mark informs the following on 04/10/2011:

I just boarded a Yellow Top taxi (I think it’s the Toyota wish). When I alight took my things from the back of the car he rush to close the back door and hit my right shoulder so bad the door vibrates. These buggers drive like soo ka soo ka and yet when comes to general manners also don’t have. Let passengers take the things when all clear then close lah.
 
Didn’t even say sorry and yet trying to say I hit it. He lowered the stupid door before I move out completely, luckily never hit my head if not sure place him on civil suit.

Just because the injury is not serious does not mean you should let it go.If you have the licence plate number, please lodge a report with LTA. If not, always remember to take note of the licence plate number when you board a taxi so that you can trace him if he tried to be funny. Taxi drivers bank on the fact that passengers will not be alert or motivated enough to take these clowns to task. Let us take back the power!

Rude and Reckless Driver SH5928R Clifford Pier

Mr Mike informs the following on 29/09/2011:

Got into a cab this morning at the Taxi waiting queue in front of the Fairmont Hotel. Told him "please take me to Ocean Financial Centre". He asks in a rude tone "Where is it??", I told him, its the old Ocean Building which has been rebuilt and near the Hitachi Tower Taxi stand. He then races to the destination and brakes hard at lights. When we come to the traffic lights at Raffles MRT stop, I leaned forward, pointed to the new building and said that that's the OFC. Lights turn green and he races to stop at Hitachi Tower and not the destination. Fare SGD5.95. I gave him SGD10 and he returns me SGD4. I say thanks and alight and he races off. Most rude taxi driver I have met in my life. I think the number plate was SH5928R.

We urge you to lodge a report with LTA through their online feedback form so that this driver will be notified and warned appropriately. Leaving it as 'one of those things' will just embolden such drivers that they can always get away with such horrendous behaviour.

'Dangerous Face' SHD9115

Mr Hui informs the following on 24/09/2011:

Dear Minister Lui,

This taxi incident is a small but dangerous indication of how bad some of the taxi drivers and taxi companies have become. Please spare 5 mins of your busy schedule to read this case.

1. On the morning of 23 Sep 2011, at around 6:30 am, I was trying to call for a Comfort Cab for my younger daughter. As I was still not able to get a cab, my elder daughter (not sure why she picked this company?) called Transcab to try. We finally got our comfirmation from Comfort. My elder daughter stopped calling Transcab as there was no confirmation.

2. Meanwhile I left home to drive my elder girl to the airport.

3. At about 6.45am (based on the account provided by my younger daughter), a Transcab taxi SHD9115 appeared in front of my house. He first horned. When my daughter opened our gate, she realised this was not the Comfort Cab that I had comfirmed for her. She told the driver that this could have been a mistake. The driver insisted that she must take his taxi. He came out of the taxi and shouted at my daughter. He kept insisting. He was angry and he refused to leave, standing outside of my house. He came across in a threatening manner. My daughter had no choice but to close the gate. He is identified to be quite a young man wearing spectacles.

4. When my daughter related the incident to me via sms, I found it totally unacceptable in a civil society like Singapore. Why would this driver by so insistent, loud, angry and threatening - bullying a young girl? All he needs to do is to call back his taxi company to affirm whether there was a confirmed booking.

5. I called Transcab general line 65553333 at about 7:40am to confirm that it is their company's taxi and to request for their Customer Service Manager to call me.

6. No return call received. By 8:53am, I called the other office number 62876666 and still could not get to speak to the CS manager. Only by 10:27am when I called again, I was able to reach a MIss Cherly (?) who took down my complaint dliligently. I called back at about 11.45am to request that this is a serious matter which I would like the company's General Manager to investigate quickly and request for an acknowledgement call from the GM.

7. As there was no return call, I managed to obtain the GM number at 66031250. Nobody answered and the voice mail belongs to a MIss Jasmine (supposedly the GM). Throughout the day, I left several polite messages for her to return call but to no avail. Only at about 4:30pm, I had a missed clal from a number 66031270. I called back and realised that this is the GM's assistant. But once again I asked to speak to the GM and she did not returned call.

8. This morning I left a message on Miss Jasmine's number again and I have not received any attempt to assist me in this matter.

9. I wonder what kind of taxi drivers do we licensed on the road? And what kind of taxi companies are being permitted to operate in Singapore? We are rude, unkind, shout and threaten even to our own Singaporeans? Or do we only want to be polite to non-Singaporens?

10. The irony is, on Thur 22 Sep 2011, I was hosted lunch by the Global CEO of a US multi-national and his comment was : "Most things worked well in Singapore, EXCEPT your taxis!" I was pretty embarassed to be in that company of top management executives from different parts of the world. I have personally travelled to many global cities - New York, London, HongKong, Seoul, and I have yet to encountered rude or poor taxi service. Unfotunately this has to start in my homeground.

Dear Minister, this is a major time-bomb (based on the reported incidents on the net, blogs and actual cases experienced by many of my foreign partners who have trouble with our system) and we need a quick fix. Thank you for your time.

Dear Mr Chew - LTA, I have logged the complaint at LTA hotline yeaterday at about 10:47am Please advise what is LTA follow-up action and when can I know the outcome. And also please share with the public how taxi companies with poor service records are being handled in their renewal of license. I attached a recent case report in Shin Min Daily News of a woman being charged $700 by a Transcab Taxi ( http://forums.vr-zone.com/chit-chatting/1669269-woman-charged-s-700-taxi-ride.html).

Dear Mr Han - ST, you may want to get one of your reporters to follow up on my case if this is of public interest.

Dear Miss Jasmine - Transcab, I have tried very hard to contact you about this case, but you have chosen not to respond. If you were the General Manger of this company and if you care about customer's feedback and the lack of disciplne of your taxi drivers, you would have taken this matter more seriously. I am concerned about the safty of my daughter when a stranger behaved this manner in front of my house. Your driver of SHD9115 is a "dangerous" face of your company.

Dear Mr Teo Khiang Ang - MD of Transcab and Union Energy , I request that you - as the major owner & MD of Transcab and the public face in the media - please try and do a better job on the services. Attempts to call you yesterday was futile. So please spare us all the media publicity about Union Energy and Transcab when you are not able to provide good service or show care for your customers.

Dear Miss Teo Lee Fong, please add this story to your collection of the ugly Singapore Taxi drivers. Thanks for maintaining such a site.

Thank you all for your time.

Thank you for taking the time to pen this and do keep us posted on the outcome.

Zig-Zag Driver SHB844B Havelock Road

Kenneth Koh informs the following on 17/09/2011:

Date = 17th Sept 2011
Time = 2:19 p.m.
Chrysler cab license plate: SHB844B
Location = Near traffic junction of Havelock Road and Clemenceau Ave.

Contacted SMRT Taxis Pte Ltd, at tel: 6555 8888 to lodge a complain at 5:50p.m today.

Description: I am traveling along Havelock Road and a black Chrysler cab suddenly cut into my lane 2 times without signaling.

I stopped at the junction and I winded down my left side window and question him why he didn't signal and almost cause an accident as I need to jam my brake. He didn't say why and I told him I will definitely complained against him for his reckless driving. He started yelling at me and thus I just winded up the window, ignored him and drove off.

As my car have a video recorder, please view the following link for the captured video of this reckless taxi driver.

LTA and SMRT should take serious action against such reckless and rude taxi driver. Driving a BIG Chrysler taxi does not make him the king of the road without signalling.

Now I am waiting for a reply from SMRT and LTA.

Thanks for capturing the episode on video! That makes everything so clear-cut, doesn't it. We encourage all drivers to do the same so that the authorities can act swiftly and without doubt. We encourage you to lodge a complaint with LTA through their online feedback form if the cab company has not responded. In the meanwhile, keep us posted.

Thug Taxi Driver SHD5222C Novena Road

Landwarrior informs the following on 23 August 2011:

On the 23 August 2011 at 7.15am, I was driving my daughter in our van along Novena Road towards the direction of the city.

As we passed the cross junction with Balestier Road on the left and Thomson Hospital on the right, red Toyota Wish SHD 5222C squeezed himself from the left corner of the merging lane into my path. As I was ahead of him and saw him coming too near me from the corner of my eyes, I honked him.

Driver of SHD 5222C then speeded up and overtook me from the left and proceeded to give me the middle finger. He then glared at me from his rear view mirror.

I was quite shocked. I had honked him to warn him that he was too close and that he had blundered into my lane and while clearly his fault, he then gave me the rude gesture.

Not happy with this, he then sped off and later up the road, purposely cut into my lane once again from the left. After this, he zoomed off and cut lanes before picking up a fare at United Square. As I passed him, his window was down and he was smoking. He looked a typical gangster and frankly, I fear gangsters especially when I have a child with me.

This is not the first time I have encountered bad manners from a Red Transcab taxi.

You are probably sick and tired of hearing of bad drivers under your company and you probably wouldnt even take any action. But dont you think its sad that a few hooligans are spoiling your companys image? Why bother even starting a company this way? Dont you filter out potential drivers? Dont you care about your company?

Dont bother getting a PR Company to right your company's image till you weed out these gangsters masquerading as taxi drivers.

We can sense your frustration and the feeling of hopelessness. All we can say is that the cab companies make the money whether they deal with the complaints adequately or not. Hence, there is no motivation for them to make things better. The best option has always been to take the matter up with the regulatory body itself - the LTA - so that they can take the appropriate action or apply the pressure necessary to spur the cab companies into corrective action. We strongly encourage you to lodge a complaint with LTA through their online feedback form for real action (as opposed to lip service and insincere undertaking) to take place. It is very easy to fill out and much more reliable than calling/emailing the cab companies. Good luck and do keep us posted on the developments!

Foul Mouthed Driver SHB786K Angulia Park

Clive Coombes informs the following on 01/08/2011:

I have just seen your excellent web site on taxi drivers in Singapore and offer the following as an example of behaviour I have experienced today; the worst I have seen in 2 years living here. Here is the text of my note to SMRT.

I wish to lodge a formal complaint regarding the behaviour of the driver of SMRT taxi registered SHB 786K. His foul mouthed tirade to me after being informed of his awful driving and complete lack of consideration for road users is indicative of a complete lack of courtesy and awareness of the standards required of a representative of your company.

Specifically, on 1 Aug at 1315 hrs, your driver turned off Orchard Road onto Angulia Park Road beside Wheelock Place . After having made the turn, he proceeded approximately 100 meters and simply stopped in the middle of the road and allowed passengers to disembark. This meant that a number of vehicles also attempting to turn off Orchard into Angulia were unable to move. Your driver had, quite simply, blocked the road. Having waited for some time, and with other cars in a dangerous position, stationary on Orchard Road, I alighted from my own car (I was chauffeur driven and therefore did not leave my vehicle unattended) and walked to the rear of your driver’s vehicle and rapped loudly on the rear window of his cab, telling him forcefully of his inconsiderate, stupid and very dangerous actions. He finally moved his cab, him having been waiting – blocking the road throughout – and joined the taxi rank at Wheelock Place .

I returned to my own car and as I passed his vehicle he shouted from his cab “F*** You, F*** You”. I immediately noted his number and the time and this complaint is the result.

I inform you of this incident as I am disgusted by the behaviour of this person. His driving and actions were dangerous and inconsiderate. His foul mouthed tirade is unbecoming. He deserves – and needs – disciplinary action taking against him and I would be grateful if you could inform me of what action is taken.

Hope this is of some use. Many thanks and best wishes.

Just because they are providing a service, these people often believe that they are justified in doing the stupidest of things. There are better ways of managing the situation and a simple apology for holding up the whole road would have been a more appropriate response that mitigates his stupid and inconsiderate behaviour. However, as astonishing as it is, the typical behaviour is to get angry with those who have been inconvenienced in the first place! As ever, we advise against approaching the cab companies and proceeding with a feedback comment to LTA through their online feedback form for a more concrete outcome.These types of drivers are banking on our kindness that we won't take them to task - and using it as our weakness.

Impatient Woman Taxi Driver SHC4917 Kim Seng Road

J, M & Kona the Puppy inform the following on 05/07/2011:

I recently witnessed the above taxi driver, mentioning that it was a woman taxi driver, which is fairly rare I must add. Impatiently moving on a zebra crossing whilst people were walking across on Kim Seng / River Valley corner.

My wife was ahead of me and walking our puppy. Our hands were full with groceries and the puppy on a leash, when all my wife could do was toknock on the window (Hard) to notify this rude mannered taxi driver to be more courteous of the pedestrians. The driver continued on in a mass rush to make it to the bus stop to pick up any bus to taxi converters.

Shame on you lady and I hope karma will bite you in the ass!

This seems like the typical behaviour we witness in taxi drivers, who wouldn't think twice of running over any living thing just so that they can pick up a passenger. Well, your observation seems to show that the (low) standard of these drivers is regardless of their gender!

Rogue Driver SHD352T Holland Road

Ms Sarita Tan informs the following on 14/05/2011:

I hailed a Trans Cab taxi at Holland road for a short ride to Minden road. I had my maid and my baby along with me. I hailed a trans cab taxi, I sat inside the taxi after my maid and my baby. After I closed the door, the driver asked me my destination. After I told him I wanted to go to minden road, he asked me where is it. I told him its very close and I will tell him when to take a right turn. He rudely told me to get off the taxi as he was going straight. I told him he should have told me that before we sat down and since it’s a very small right turn off the main road, I don’t want to get off.

He says “ you think you are a star, I will take you to police station”. By now he was shouting and angry and had started the taxi. I had no choice and I said ok lets go to police station. Then he says “ you are acting funny, I will take you to cemetry”. Now I was scared, I panicked and called 999 and complained that I have no idea why and where this taxi driver is taking me so please tell me what to do. The lady on the line took down the taxi no. twice and after I got down from the taxi suggested that I go to the nearest police station. I was in the middle of a road with a baby and another kid waiting to be picked up. The suggestion was good but I wish I had got that before I got down from the taxi. I had to walk 10 minutes to pick up my kid.

Of course in hindsight it would have been easier to just get down the taxi and take another one. But what is more important is to know whether it was right for the taxi driver to stop the taxi and let me sit down if he was willing to go only straight. And if he had that big a constraint and for some reason he had waited till we all had sat down and closed the door, could he have told me to get off the taxi less rudely, if expecting a apology or a smile was too much to expect. Or was it too much of a pain for him to take a short detour to take his passengers esp with a baby instead of shouting and threatening to take to police station and then to cemetery. And then drop me off in the middle of a main road.

How safe was it for him to drive in such a angry state of mind? Should I have just sat in the taxi and gone to police station with him? Why was he willing to take a detour to police station and waste my time and his time, but not a 1 minute detour? What made him so unhappy to take a passenger to the destination after making them sit down? He had the option of not stopping the taxi, or putting up shift change / on call sign. Do the drivers need some training on how to refuse a passenger or how to be communicate clearly and in time without causing inconvenience / insulting another human being.

You should have just called his bluff to 'drive to the cemetery'. Such a lazy driver would not have dared to actually do that - which is obvious from how he changed tact the moment you said alright to driving to the Police Station. As horrendous taxi drivers are a 'normal occurrence', the Police don't really take it too seriously as a matter of law & order. But we strongly encourage you not to let the matter rest as this driver is the type of terror driver that would probably leave someone dying on the road if he were to knock them down. Please lodge a report with LTA through their online feedback form which takes no more than 5 minutes to fill out. LTA has no choice but to take action against such drivers and when there are multiple complaints against a driver, they will be justified in removing the driver from our roads.

Most of these terror drivers are the way they are because they get away without repercussions time and time again because of passengers who are not well-informed or who are too busy to follow-up. Imagine if a rogue taxi driver only gets reported once every 10 incidents. The first time will be a warning, the second a warning again, and the third will be when he actually gets terminated. That means a total of 30 instances of terrorising the passenger before he is actually removed from the roads. And the best part, he will be able to join a second cab company after his first termination. That's a total of 60 instances! If all of us immediately report our experiences to LTA (and not the cab companies), this number can become as little as 5.

Unhelpful Driver SHD3035

Mr Winston informs the following on 18/04/2011:

I like to share with your readers my experience with Comfort Taxi SHD 3035 this morning (18 Apr 11 @ 0730hrs).

I have booked a taxi via Comfort Cablink to the airport for my mother and sister. They have 2 luggages with her. So, the taxi arrived and he opened the car boot. I took my mum luggage to the rear of the taxi, left it there then proceed back to pick up the second luggage. When I'm back with the second luggage, there he was, standing beside the luggages and grunting very rudely "You can't help with the lugagge??? I'm a driver!! I don't carry luggages! I can hurt my hand!!! Can you pick up your luggages??"

I do not expect the driver to help with my mum luggages althought that is a plus point. However, the grunting is uncalled for. I hate to think, the first person a tourist met when he step out of Changi Airport is this particular taxi driver.

Please consider lodging a feedback comment to LTA through their online feedback form as this will elicit the best follow-up from the cab companies. As unfortunate as it sounds, many readers - myself included - are not surprised by this behaviour. In fact, we would be shocked if the driver had been helpful and courteous!

Atrocious Behaviour After Accident SHC8107M

Ms Annie Leo reports the following on 11/01/2011:

Comfort Case Ref 2011/03/3885

Taxi SHC8107M

Driver : NG Juan Khin

Met with taxi accident, I ended up with head and spine injuries etc. Driver Ng Juna Khin was not concerned about my condition after the accident, he cared only for his own car damages. Since day of accident, he had not called me to follow up on this case. For 2 months, I had to suffer and coping with my recovery. When I feel slightly better now, and raised the case to Comfort (with pictures of my injuries, attached), the responses:

 

From Customer Service (Jean Ho)

Quote [We have conducted an investigation and have issued a warning to the driver for the alleged incident. He has also been reminded to adhere strictly to the service standards as set out by the company. The complaint has been included in his service record and we will monitor his performance closely.]

From other employee (Doris Lim Puay Noi)

Quote [Our driver has reported the accident]
Quote [Please do not construe these requirements as an admission of liability on the part of our insurer]

 

We are talking about passenger's safety and well-being. Is this not taken too lightly? We are talking about Comfort, who owns the biggest fleet of taxi in Singapore! And I, remained their regular who book taxi weekly before or after these incidents!

 

I have attached a picture of the driver, who had stayed out of car to discuss his claims for half an hour, until I had to insist for an ambulance. My injury was visually seen, with a hematoma like 10 inches big! And, the driver has never called me to check on my condition, not even on day of accident. And, I believe I was in a LIMO cab!

 

I really think that such irresponsible and selfish drivers should be not on the roads! And, Comfort Taxi made me feel like my life was worth less than an ant!

It is truly unfortunate that the cab companies do not care enough about passenger well-being. The focus seems to be to earn our money and keep their costs to the absolute minimum. This is the reason why I started the website dedicated to shaming these atrocious elements of society.

Rude Driver SHB5174 Club Street

Ms Sze-Hui Goh informs the following on 14/03/2011:

I am writing in to highlight this particular rude taxi driver who is supposedly providing a "premium" service by driving one of SMRT's black Chrsyler Cab number SHB 5174 (my husband cannot remember the prefix at the end).

This incident happened on last Thursday, 10 March 2011 at about 8.45pm along Club Street right in front of a wine bar called W Bar. My husband met a couple of his friends after work for a drink before coming home for dinner with me, and was already running late as he was supposed to be home before 9 pm for dinner. This cab pulled up along Club Street whilst my husband was waiting for a cab, and several passengers got out of the cab. My husband then got in after the passengers alighted and politely asked the cab driver to take him to Stevens Road where we stayed. The cab driver gave an emphatic, "no". My husband was a bit taken aback as he has never encountered this in the 17 years he's lived in Singapore, and asked the driver, why not? Your light is on, so doesn't that mean that you are taking passengers? The cab driver rudely said no again. This time, my husband said, look, Stevens Road is just round the corner and not far, so why can't you take me there? You're obliged to take me, you are not supposed to say no if your light is turned on.

The cab driver then said, you are drunk so get out of my taxi or I will call the police. My husband said fine, I am not drunk and go ahead and call the police. I will wait here for them. The cab driver then got out of the cab, locked the doors of his taxi and then proceeded to call the police. My husband was furious by this time as he has never faced this kind of attitude in Singapore. He had to grab his computer bag and climbed from the back of the taxi to the driver seat in order to let himself out of the cab. He then stood by the cab and shouted at the driver - what do you think you are doing, locking me in a cab? Go ahead and call the police, I will wait here for them to arrive. The cab driver panicked, hopped into the cab and sped off.

I am Singaporean and having lived here all my life, I have never encountered behaviour like this. If I was the one wrongfully confined in the cab, I would have been so mad there's no telling what I would have done then. I emphasise that my husband was NOT drunk - he's had a few drinks but he does not get drunk so easily within the hour or so spent at the wine bar, especially since he was coming home for dinner. He also called me at 8.52pm right after the incident to tell me what happened to him and why he was late.

In any event, I am minded to make a police report as well as to write to SMRT to take action against this cab driver. This is a case of wrongful confinement which is an offence under the Penal Code. I would be grateful if you or anyone else could advise what sort of action we should take against this cab driver.

More importantly, this also serves as a warning to everyone of this cab driver. Thank you.

Do not bother with the cab company as they will just try to spin this as a dispute or disagreement. Go straight to the Police or lodge a report with LTA through their online feedback form. We agree that this could be a criminal offence and the driver needs to answer for his actions or explain himself.