Guide to Singapore's Taxi Services
Singapore offers a diverse range of taxi services to cater to the varying needs of its residents and visitors. This guide provides an overview of the different taxi types, their operations, fare structures, and booking methods.
Types of Taxis
Standard Taxis: These are the most common taxis in Singapore, operated by major companies such as ComfortDelGro, TransCab, Strides, Silvercab, and Prime Taxis. They are easily identifiable by their distinct colors:
ComfortDelGro: Blue (Comfort) and Yellow (CityCab)
TransCab: Red
Strides: Lime
Silvercab: Silver
Prime Taxis: Copper
Premium Taxis: These taxis offer higher-end services with more luxurious vehicles. They often come with higher flag-down rates and distance-based charges compared to standard taxis.
Private Hire Vehicles: Services like Grab, Ryde, TADA, and Gojek operate private hire vehicles that can be booked through their respective mobile applications. These services provide both standard and premium ride options.
Yellow-Top Taxis: These are privately operated taxis with a yellow top and black body. Their numbers have been declining since no new private licenses have been issued since the 1970s, and existing licenses are non-transferable.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Car-Sharing Services: Companies like BlueSG offer electric vehicle rentals on a per-minute basis. Users can sign up through the BlueSG mobile application or official website and choose between various rental plans.
Fare Structure
Taxi fares in Singapore vary based on the type of service and are subject to additional surcharges:
Flag-Down Fare:
Standard Taxis: S$4.40 to S$4.80
Premium Taxis: S$4.80 to S$5.50
Distance-Based Fare:
Standard Taxis: S$0.26 every 400 meters for the first 10 kilometers; S$0.26 every 350 meters thereafter
Premium Taxis: S$0.36 to S$0.38 every 400 meters for the first 10 kilometers; S$0.36 to S$0.38 every 350 meters thereafter
Waiting Time Charge:
Standard Taxis: S$0.26 for every 45 seconds of waiting
Premium Taxis: S$0.36 to S$0.38 for every 45 seconds of waiting
Booking Fees:
Standard Taxis: S$2.90 to S$3.30
Peak Hour Surcharge: 25% of the metered fare
Weekdays: 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM to midnight
Weekends: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM to midnight
Late-Night Surcharge: 50% of the metered fare
Central Business District (CBD) Surcharge: S$3
Airport Surcharge:
Changi Airport: S$8 from 5:00 PM to midnight; S$6 at other times
Seletar Airport: S$3
Other Surcharges:
Resorts World Sentosa: S$3
Singapore Expo: S$3
Booking Methods
Street Hailing: Standard and premium taxis can be flagged down on the streets.
Phone Booking: Most taxi companies offer phone booking services with applicable booking fees.
Mobile Applications: Ride-hailing services like Grab, Gojek, Ryde, and TADA allow users to book rides through their respective apps.
Dedicated Apps: Some taxi operators have their own mobile applications for booking.
EV Car-Sharing Apps: Services like BlueSG provide apps for users to locate and book electric vehicles.
Payment Methods
Most taxis and private hire vehicles in Singapore accept various payment methods:
Cash: Widely accepted across all taxi services.
Credit/Debit Cards: Major cards are accepted in most taxis and private hire vehicles.
Mobile Wallets: Payment platforms like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are commonly accepted.
In-App Payments: Ride-hailing services often have integrated payment systems for seamless transactions.
Safety Regulations
All passengers are required to wear seat belts. Children under 1.35 meters in height must use appropriate child restraints in private hire vehicles; however, this rule does not apply to taxis if the child is seated in the rear. As of 2018, about 70% of taxis in Singapore are equipped with airbags.
By understanding the various taxi options, fare structures, and booking methods, passengers can navigate Singapore's transportation landscape with ease and confidence.
