S2E1: Why taxi drivers are “changing shift” when you need them most

The Straits Times Podcasts

Improve your chances of getting a ride on a wet Friday evening with some hacks from this experienced cabbie.

Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport.

Mr James Quak is among the 89,000 qualified taxi drivers in Singapore. In this episode of Wheel Insights, the 49-year-old sheds light on how taxi drivers work out their share of the vehicle rental and how they decide which ride booking to take.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:35 The difference between being a taxi hirer and a “relief driver”

5:41 How much driving time makes up for daily taxi rental

13:59 Why taxi drivers don't look out for street-hailers

17:46 How much taxi drivers benefited during the East-West Line MRT disruption in September 2024

23:01 The reason why taxi drivers always seems to be changing shift during peak travel hours

25:39 Advice for those considering joining the trade

Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G

Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ

Read more COE articles: https://str.sg/iGKC

Host: Lee Nian Tjoe ([e-mail])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

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Chapter

1. Why taxi drivers are “changing shift” when you need them most (00:00:00)

2. Being a taxi hirer and a “relief driver” (00:02:35)

3. Driving duration for daily taxi rental (00:05:41)

4. Why taxis don’t look out for street-hailers (00:13:59)

5. Taxi gains from Sept 2024 EWL disruption (00:17:46)

6. Taxi drivers change shifts during peak hours (00:23:01)

7. Advice for those considering to join the trade (00:25:39)