Luxury Taxi Fare Hike Alert

SINGAPORE: Brace yourselves, luxury taxi riders! ComfortDelGro, a frontrunner in Singapore's taxi industry, is set to implement a notable fare increase for its premium taxi services beginning January 2, 2024. This news comes as a shock, but it seems the high-end transportation provider is aligning its fares with the rising costs of operation.

New Fare Structure

In a recent Facebook update shared on December 26, the company announced the new fare structure that will take effect at 6 AM on the aforementioned date. The departure fare for all luxury taxis will escalate from S$4.80 to S$5.50, a jump that taxi users may need to brace for. Moreover, travellers will notice a slight uptick in the distance charge and waiting fee—moving from S$0.36 to S$0.38.

Additional Charges

But that's not all! For those hailing luxury taxis to and from the airport or opting for point-to-point booking, expect an extra S$5 on your bill. This might prompt regular passengers to reconsider their travel options.

Surcharge for Larger Vehicles

On top of the regular fare increases, ComfortDelGro is also revising its policies regarding additional passenger fees for larger vehicles. If you’re planning to ride with a larger group in a six or seven-seater vehicle, be prepared for a dramatic increase in the surcharge for the fifth passenger, shooting up from S$3 per person to a whopping S$9 per trip!

Reason for the Increase

ComfortDelGro has cited the need to help drivers keep pace with increasing operational costs and ensure they receive fair compensation for their valuable services—a sentiment that may resonate amidst growing concerns over driver welfare in the gig economy. This fare adjustment is also strategically aimed at attracting more drivers in response to the burgeoning market demand for luxury rides.

Conclusion

As Singapore's transportation landscape evolves, it raises the question: is the luxury worth the price? Riders may need to consider alternative options or rethink their travel plans before the New Year. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!