Technology could help consumers tackle confusing taxi fares

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Commuters in Singapore used to have a much clearer idea about how much they would pay when they flagged down a taxi but not anymore. They have expressed confusion at the variety of taxi fares being charged in the country.

With the various fare structures now in place, commuters sometimes end up paying much more than they expect. There are as many as five different flagdown rates for at least one company. That is not including the raft of surcharges that could be applicable for peak periods and busy locations.

And this runs counter to the aim of the taxi deregulation implemented in 1998.

Comfort Delgro, the largest taxi operator in Singapore, did not respond to Channel NewsAsia's queries, while SMRT Taxi declined to be interviewed.

Associate Professor Anthony Chin, who teaches Transport Economics at the National University of Singapore, believes empowering commuters with information will solve the problem.

For instance, a smartphone app that shows available cabs in the area, and contains details of the make and model of the taxi could be used. This would help consumers, especially if it showed how much trips would cost.

It is unclear how long the government's review of taxi fare structures will take, but the result must meet the needs of commuters, cabbies and taxi companies.