Another Reason To Get A Car
Last Sunday, I was going to meet a friend at Raffles City so I took a cab down. The normal route would be for the cab to take the CTE route and exit into Orchard Road near the Istana. Instead of turning into the CTE towards city, he took the route of Lavender Street all the way to Raffles Avenue. I even get to see Singapore Flyer close up!
I wasn't very happy so I asked him why didn't he take the CTE route. He turned around and looked at me.
Yes, he was wearing those cannot-see-the-eyes-dark-sunglasses like the Terminator, he didn't say a thing and just turned his head around again and continued his driving. For a moment, I felt that my life was in mortal danger and half-expecting him to pull out a gun. :p
For the rest of the journey, I just sucked thumb kept quiet and pretended to read my Businessweek magazine.
By the time I reached Raffles City, the fare was $7.40. The usual fare would have been about $6! There was really no reason for him to take the Lavender Street route. It was more expensive and took a longer time.
Ever since the taxi fare increased, I seemed to encounter more drivers taking the longer route with more traffic lights. I can't help but wonder if it was deliberate ploy.
I'm really seriously thinking of getting my own car now. I don't want to put up with such drivers and put myself in their mercy anymore!
6 comments:
you're right about cabbies suddenly taking the "scenic" route.
sucks.
my wife and i also have a car somewhere ont he lower end of our wishlist.
well at least it's on the list. gives us something to work towards.
So I'm not the only one who feels that way? Darn! The cabbies really shouldn't be allowed to get away with it.
I guess in future, when we board the cab, we better state upfront our preferred route.
Some cabbies do ask for which is your preferred route... Though I usually don't really care and tell them anywhere that gets me fast.
Yes, some cabbies do but recently it seems that I've encountered more who don't and will just take you through the longer route and with more traffic lights. Granted, they are still a minority.
As I've commented to Ronin earlier, it'll be better for us just to let the cabbies know our preferred route in future. Then we won't be take for a ride (pun intended). :p
Some cabbies are out to make extra bucks.
that is why i give very clear and curt instructions on the route to be taken.
However, buying cars have its ups and downs too.
It buys time in the change of money.
But you need to consider the time wasted to look for parking.
Yes, agree. Buying a car has its own advantages and disadvantages which I've been weighing in my mind recently.
I'll buy a car when the pros outweighs the cons and at the current juncture, it is leaning towards it.
Maybe I'll share the reasons why I am thinking of buy a car in future. :)
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