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Govt to explore simpler cab fare structure Jermyn Chow | The Straits Times | Friday, Nov 15, 2013 The Government will look into simplifying the current taxi fare structure to make it less confusing for commuters, said Senior Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo. Among the issues under review are the extra surcharges levied on commuters who ride in premium taxi models like Mercedes-Benz, or hail a taxi in the city area. Acknowledging that the current taxi fare structure is "complex and confusing", Mrs Teo told Parliament on Tuesday that the Land Transport Authority will work with the Public Transport Council and cab operators to study "if and how" to simplify the fare structure. The aim is to allow for easy fare comparison across the six cab companies, she said. Currently, there are close to 10 different flagdown fares, three different metered fare structures, and more than 10 different types of surcharges. On ensuring enough taxis ply the roads during peak hours, Mrs Teo said different surcharges have been imposed to better match taxi supply with demand by giving incentives to cabbies to serve locations where demand is high. Mr Ang Hin Kee (Ang Mo Kio GRC), who is also an adviser to the National Taxi Association (NTA), asked Mrs Teo if the Government can look into simplifying the rental fees paid by cabbies. Mrs Teo said the Government wants to be careful about getting involved in discussions between cab operators and cabbies about the fees. She explained that it is for the taxi drivers to compare which rental scheme best meets their requirements. Mrs Teo added that the NTA could take up the issue. - See more at: http://ride.asiaone.com/news/general/story/govt-explore-simpler-cab-fare-structure#sthash.bLbFL5fY.dpuf