S'pore's taxi drivers were once 'handpicked' by Lee Kuan Yew

[Extremist]

Taxis in Singapore have a very colourful history. Back in the old days, you could negotiate with the cabbie on the taxi fare, unlike the current meter system, whose systematic calculation leaves no room for error.

And not just anyone can become a taxi driver back then. In 1971, Singapore's taxi drivers were picked out by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew during a ballot to select taxi drivers.

Taking a taxi from Bukit Panjang to Lim Chu Kang cost just 40 cents per person. Now, a similar journey will probably cost you at least $8 or more.

There were also 'pirate taxis' back then. Some people used their cars as unlicensed public-services vehicles to serve the public's tranportation needs. They used private houses as contact points and issued call cards to publicise their transport services.

Not forgetting these historical facts, local taxi drivers are pretty much an indelible part of the public transportation network, with their own views and colourful languages to entertain their passengers.

 

[Narong Wongwan]

Taxi driving used to be family business....the father passing license to the son.
And drivers own their taxis

 

[scroobal]

Anyone remember Mercedes Taxis usually owned by bayi and the rare aircon wants had the aircon sitting on the roof. Also want to go Malaysia, door to door service.

 

[halsey02]

Anyone remember Mercedes Taxis usually owned by bayi and the rare aircon wants had the aircon sitting on the roof. Also want to go Malaysia, door to door service.

Not so privileged as you, can afford the Bayi Air cond taxis, which were a luxury those days, never mind going to Malaysia. Could only afford to take, "bus number 11" & in the city..TRISHAW or buses.

 

[singham]

it seems to me that the purpose of this article is to encourage more sinkies to go drive taxis...

taxi driver is now the most sought after job in sinkieland...

 

[songsongpunggol]

drive taxi okay what your office is everywhere. so fresh every-time.

i am amazed some people can stuck in a same company for 20 years!

not bored meh?

 

[shittypore]

Taxi driving used to be family business....the father passing license to the son.
And drivers own their taxis

Today also no diff, it belongs to the Familee.

 

[Tuayapeh]

Driving taxi is pap's own default welfare scheme understand....when all else fails,....you sinkies can always drive a fucking taxi.....

Bastards.....