shoddy cab services during shift changes

[rajagainstthemachine]

Why is it this bad? It's an agonizing wait for a cab, and then the driver does not want to take you where you want to go.
For eg, today the cab guy had shift change written and was headed towards bukit batok, I wanted a ride towards bukit timah which is on the way and he refused, hailed several cabs but all in vain, dejected took a bus back instead.
I've had instances where I have a flight to catch and rain halts taxi services completely. What is the matter with these cab companies?
Is uber better than all this ?

[Aragorn2000]

Totally agree. I have never seen this stupid "shift change" in any other countries that I have been too.

[JR8]

Totally agree. I have never seen this stupid "shift change" in any other countries that I have been too.

I can't say I've experienced the concept of a 'Shift change' status anywhere else in the world. Here it's like they're trying to get one last fare in for the night, but only if it's going in their precise direction. This is guaranteed to lead to a lot of confusion and displeasure.

Other cities, they just switch off their status-indicator light, and go home.

[Brah]

Is there not a law that says that once you're in the car, that they must take you to where you request.

Or is that another urban myth?

In a couple of dire situations I wasn't having any of the negotiation through the cracked-open window thing and just got in the car.

[the lynx]

Uber, Grab Taxi and Easy Taxi.

These cab drivers are deliberately ignoring and rejecting passengers trying to flag by flashing "Busy" sign because they would prefer to pick up a passenger booking through those apps. I get quicker and surer response through these apps than to flag down one. I started using those because I got so frustrated trying to get one.

I think they make a lot of money picking up passengers via those apps.

[Brah]

I should add that I find taxi service has improved over they years.

I also find that I use taxis far less than I used to.

What irks me are the different car types and wildly differing fares for these, and when not in a hurry, I let those more expensive ones go right on by.

As for shift change times and certain other peak or seller's market times that apps, calling and biting the bullet for anything that comes along is all a part of the game.

[Steve1960]

If I am flying on business I do book a taxi in advance on line. I know there is an 8 dollar booking fee but frankly the company pays and it ensures I don't miss my flight.

Otherwise like Lynx I use Grab Taxi and have had a very good service from them. In fact it seems to have improved over time. The number of rejections when trying to book seems to have reduced significantly.

[Aragorn2000]

Totally agree. I have never seen this stupid "shift change" in any other countries that I have been too.

I can't say I've experienced the concept of a 'Shift change' status anywhere else in the world. Here it's like they're trying to get one last fare in for the night, but only if it's going in their precise direction. This is guaranteed to lead to a lot of confusion and displeasure.

Other cities, they just switch off their status-indicator light, and go home.

But they are like completely shut down at "shift change" time. "Shift-change" for Comfort is around 2 or 4pm, not just at night?

And about advance booking, sometimes they don't turn up and you are doomed.
A cab driver once told me advance booking doesn't work because drivers don't like to plan. They also prefer short trips around the city over than long trips. He said he always ignores "jurong" or "tampines"-looking faces.

[rajagainstthemachine]

Uber, Grab Taxi and Easy Taxi.

These cab drivers are deliberately ignoring and rejecting passengers trying to flag by flashing "Busy" sign because they would prefer to pick up a passenger booking through those apps. I get quicker and surer response through these apps than to flag down one. I started using those because I got so frustrated trying to get one.

I think they make a lot of money picking up passengers via those apps.

so what you are saying is that in order to get a taxi a smart phone with an specific app is a perquisite?
well I guess I'll get whatever those apps are at least to beat the damm shift change.

[Steve1960]

And about advance booking, sometimes they don't turn up and you are doomed.
A cab driver once told me advance booking doesn't work because drivers don't like to plan. They also prefer short trips around the city over than long trips. He said he always ignores "jurong" or "tampines"-looking faces.

Really? Never had an advance booked taxi fail to show up myself.

[Wd40]

To me, I never consider cabs as mode of transport, for this very reason.
The only time we use cabs is when we have luggage and need to go to/come from the airport.
Even then, I have faced the issue. We just get ready well in advance atleast 1/2 hour earlier and then atleast 1 out of 10 cabs will eventually stop and agree to take us.

[maneo]

It's an agonizing wait for a cab, and then the driver does not want to take you where you want to go.

It might not have been so bad if the shift change were not happening during a high demand time - evening "rush hour."

For eg, today the cab guy had shift change written and was headed towards bukit batok, I wanted a ride towards bukit timah which is on the way and he refused, hailed several cabs but all in vain, dejected took a bus back instead.

Aren't the Google Maps directions for public transport useful for planning bus travel?
Time wasted waiting for a taxi may dissipate whatever time advantage there may have been in going by car.

Oh, and try find a taxi in the CBD during peak ERP time.
Only those already in the CBD having brought passenger in will respond to a call.

[Steve1960]

Anyone taken the MRT to the airport rather than taxi? I have thought about it but never tried it. I travel hand luggage only on business trips so weight and size of luggage would not be an issue.

[Strong Eagle]

If I am flying on business I do book a taxi in advance on line. I know there is an 8 dollar booking fee but frankly the company pays and it ensures I don't miss my flight.

It doesn't ensure that you won't miss your flight at all. More than once, I've paid that 8 dollar fee, only to find the taxi didn't show up, and only to be told there was nothing the taxi company could do... perfect bullshit... this is Comfort and Citycab, mind you. It's a worthless guarantee. One more piece of Singapore service crap.

[maneo]

Anyone taken the MRT to the airport rather than taxi? I have thought about it but never tried it. I travel hand luggage only on business trips so weight and size of luggage would not be an issue.

Yes, both ways.
Have seen quite a few others with luggage doing so, especially on the green E-W line.

If you use Google Maps Directions add 5-10 mins in planning your trip timing to have some margin.