taxis The first motorized taxis appeared in Singapore in the late 1940s. Taxi meters were first installed in 1953, but many private cars continued to operate as ‘pirate taxis’ throughout the 1950s and 1960s, taking passengers to popular destinations for fixed fares. In 1970, there were an estimated 8,000 pirate taxi operators. However, most of these left the business during the 1970s with the formation of COMFORT (a transport co- operative established by the National Trades Union Congress), increases in diesel taxes, and more stringent regulation of the industry. In the late 1960s, non- transferable taxi licences were issued to individuals. However, new licences have been issued only to taxi companies since the 1970s.

A number of new companies were formed during the 1990s. By 2005, there were seven companies running a fleet of 21,800 air- conditioned, metered taxis in Singapore. The largest operator is ComfortDelGro, which had a fleet of more than 11,700 taxis in 2005. Others include SMRT Taxis, CityCab, Premier Taxis, Smart Automobile, TransCab Services and Yellow- Top Cabs.

Since September 1998, taxi fares have been deregulated, allowing operators to set fare rates according to market conditions. All taxis employ a standard flag- down rate, which covers the first kilometre of a journey. Thereafter, a meter is used to determine the fare according to distance travelled and time accrued. Additional surcharges apply during peak periods; between midnight and 6 a.m.; and for journeys from Changi Airport. The Land Transport Authority conducts periodic monitoring of the quality of service standards.

Almost all taxis are diesel- powered and carry a maximum of four passengers. Taxis can be hailed by the side of the road, except in the central business district, where they can pick up or drop passengers off only at designated taxi stands.

Photo credit: Timothy Auger