What’s the Deal Now? A Quick Peek at Singapore’s Taxi Fare Shake‑Up
Hey folks! If you’ve been riding the Singapore cabbies lately, you’ll notice a little extra change in your wallet. The government’s not exactly doing it for flair—it’s all about keeping drivers afloat when fuel is pricier than a coffee at a fancy café.
Why the Price Hike? The Big Picture
- Fuel prices surged in the past year, jumping up to the $3 mark for 92‑octane petrol.
- To help drivers stay solvent, the Ministry floated a temporary one‑cent bump on distance & waiting‑time fares.
- Originally slated to end in May (or when prices fell), the rule turned out to be more “stay‑with‑us” than “stop.”
That temporary rise now runs until the end of the year. And as pumps still show high numbers, we’re in for another extension.
How Much Do You Pay These Days?
Standard cabs: 25¢ every 400m for the first 10km, 25¢ per 350m over 10km, plus 25¢ every 45 seconds of a wait.
In the past, it was just 24¢. The slight bump translates to roughly a $0.32 extra on a standard 10‑km ride (ComfortDelGro’s figure).
Premium & limo vehicles: 34¢ to 36¢ for the same distances and wait times—so the “luxury” price tags aren’t getting any cheaper.
Even the non‑metered (ComfortRide‑booked) trips feel the tweak—because the government’s helping for a reason.
Behind the Numbers – Fuel Costs Are Still Substantial
The Consumers Association of Singapore tracks fuel with Fuel Kaki. Current 92‑octane petrol ranges between $2.94–$2.96 per litre (with discounts this little). Diesel is roughly $2.93–$2.98. These figures are down from the earlier highs of $3.34–$3.37 for petrol and $3.16–$3.19 for diesel.
But that’s still a 30–40% surge from last year. So the government’s extra invoice is a real‑world answer to inflation.
What the Authorities Offer (and How You Get To Know)
- Another $1.5 billion support package for people living with higher prices.
- A one‑off $150 credit for taxi rides—dispensed in August.
- The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will liaison with operators to check you’re on the list.
What Cabbies Are Saying
Ethan Ong (ComfortDelGro): “Yep, a few extra dollars per day in my pocket. Not a huge shift; fuel still eats most of it. But every bit helps—thanks for that.”
Jeffrey Lim (Risk Manager): “I don’t notice a single cent added on my rides because I only use taxis a few times a month. Still, overall prices are climbing like a stairwell. Works out to a bit of a squeeze on wages.”
You can see the ballpark impact: more fuel means drivers earn a little more, but their earning power still doesn’t keep pace with national living costs.
Takeaway
So here’s the scoop: The temporary fare hike is a small adjustment in a fast‑moving market. While it gives taxi drivers a sliver of relief, the broader economic pressures are still pressing.
Next time you hop into a cab, remember the little extra you’re paying isn’t just a corporate fluke—it’s an effort to keep your driver’s wallet a bit healthier amid pricey pumps. And maybe a reminder to keep your own budget tight—because even the “free” extra $150 credit may not cover all of your monthly needs.
