Marina Bay Sands to Orchard Road for S$65? MBS acts to tackle taxi touts

SINGAPORE: Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is taking measures to monitor the situation at its taxi stands amid concern about touts that are targeting passengers. 

8world reported on Sunday (Nov 26) that multiple vehicles at the popular tourist destination's taxi stand quoted "exorbitant" prices, citing traffic jams and difficulty in hailing a ride on rainy days.

The integrated resort said in response to queries from 8world that more manpower will be deployed and traffic cones placed to prevent taxis from parking in unauthorised areas.

There are also signboards in various languages cautioning members of the public about touting.

One such notice seen by 8world stated that taxi fares must be based on the meter, plus applicable surcharges, and that a receipt must be provided upon request. 

An 8world reporter who pretended to be in urgent need of a ride on Saturday evening was asked for S$50 (US$37) to S$65 for a 4km ride to Orchard Road.

One driver also told the reporter to first board his vehicle before discussing the fare. However, after the reporter revealed her identity, he said the fare was based on the meter. 

When told that a private-hire car ride only cost S$20, the driver said: "You can take a private-car hire then."

At least six sports utility vehicle taxis drove into the waiting area with their windows wound down at around 5pm on Sunday.

The drivers were observed asking prospective passengers about their destination before quoting them a fixed price. Some people were seen accepting these deals while others refused.

TAXI TOUTS IN SINGAPORE?

A tourist from India was quoted S$65 when he told the driver that he was headed to Little India, a distance of about 4km. 

The man, who was travelling with several family members including children and the elderly, told 8world that he knew the fare was expensive but accepted it citing the rainy weather and that his family was tired. 

Another tourist from the US told 8world that he would only pay S$60 for a ride to Orchard Road as a last resort because a private-hire car only costs about S$20. He added that he was surprised that there were taxi touts in Singapore and felt it was "unfair to tourists" who had no way of lodging a complaint.

A Singapore resident of foreign nationality separately told 8world that the drivers would quote a higher price if the potential passengers looked like "foreigners".

MBS said that it was cooperating closely with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to manage the situation.

LTA said in response to 8world's queries that it takes the matter seriously and emphasised that private-hire car and taxi touting was illegal.

Taxi drivers face a fine of S$500, 12 demerit points, and a suspension of their vocational licence. Repeat offenders may also see their licence revoked.

LTA recommended that passengers make travel reservations through licensed operators and if in doubt, they can verify the fare according to the fare list provided by the operator.

The authority also advised passengers taking taxis to check whether the vehicle's meter is activated and whether the final fare charged is reflected on the meter at the end of the trip.

Passengers who encounter drivers who are unwilling to charge by meter can report the matter to LTA.