ComfortDelGro Taxi Driver Accused of Overcharging VisitorComfortDelGro Taxi Driver Accused of Overcharging Visitor A visitor to Singapore has accused a ComfortDelGro taxi driver of taking an unnecessarily long route from a hotel in Novena to Changi Airport, resulting in an inflated fare. Complaint Details In a Facebook post, the complainant stated that their group traveled from a Novena hotel to Changi Airport Terminal 3 on July 25. The journey, which should have taken approximately 20 minutes, was extended to 40 minutes. Fare and Distance According to the receipt, the total distance traveled was 39.2km, and the fare amounted to S$37.75, including surcharges. Possible Route The complainant claimed that the taxi driver took a longer route than necessary to the airport. However, the exact route taken is unknown. ComfortDelGro’s Response ComfortDelGro has acknowledged the complaint and is conducting an investigation. The spokesperson emphasized that the company is committed to fair pricing and that overcharging is unacceptable. Consequences If the investigation confirms the allegations, ComfortDelGro has stated that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the taxi driver. Social Media Reaction The incident has sparked discussion on social media, with some users speculating about the route the driver may have taken. Background Information Google Maps indicates that the journey from Novena to Changi Airport should take less than 30 minutes. The distance via the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) is approximately 17.6km, while the distance via the East Coast Parkway (ECP) is around 21.6km.
A traveller visiting Singapore has accused a ComfortDelGro taxi driver of overcharging him for taking a longer route than necessary from a hotel in Novena to Changi Airport.
ComfortDelGro has responded to the public complaint and announced that it is conducting an investigation.
Complaint made public
The complainant, believed to be a non-resident visiting Singapore, wrote about his experience in a Facebook post on July 26.
The message stated that the complainant and his group travelled from a hotel in Novena to Changi Airport Terminal 3 on July 25 and that what should have been a 20-minute ride somehow turned into a 40-minute ride.
Responses to the post revealed that the group was traveling during an off-peak hour trip late Thursday morning.
40 minutes drive?
According to the photo on the receipt, the trip started at 10:33 am and ended at 11:13 am.
The total distance was 39.2km and the price was S$37.75, including surcharges.
Before we started the journey, we were confirmed by the hotel staff that the distance to Changi Airport would be 17.6km via the Pan Island Expressway (PIE), or 21.6km via the East Coast Parkway (ECP).
However, the final route to the destination took twice as long and also cost twice as much.
From several questions at the post it became clear that the passengers did not take a detour or make an extra stop.
The difference was clearly visible as there were eight people heading to the airport at the same time and the group got into two separate taxis.
The complainant said he was “very disappointed that such a taxi driver existed in Singapore”.
According to Google Maps, the journey should take less than 30 minutes.
Screenshot via Google Maps
Some commenters on the post tried to guess which route the taxi driver would take, as no details about the route were available.
ComfortDelGro investigates
In response to MothershipIn response to questions, a ComfortDelGro spokesperson said it is aware of the incident.
“We are aware of allegations circulating on social media about our taxi driver taking a longer route, resulting in a higher price. ComfortDelGro is committed to fair and transparent pricing and it is not acceptable to deliberately overcharge passengers,” the spokesperson said.
“We are currently investigating the incident and will take appropriate disciplinary action if it is found that the taxi driver violated our service standards.”
Top photos via Facebook
