I REFER to the letter "Small change in taxis not a must?" (my paper, Sept 11).

We would like to apologise to Mr Augustine Kang for the unpleasant encounter he had on board our taxi.

Our cabbies have been told to prepare small change before the start of their shifts.

However, they may run out of small change, if a few passengers at the start of their shift had used big notes to pay the fare.

In cases where they have insufficient change, our cabbies have been advised to politely explain to the passengers before driving them to the nearest retail shop or petrol kiosk to break the big note, or to an ATM to withdraw money.

Passengers can also pay the metered fare via cashless modes such as Nets, credit or corporate cards.

In this case, our driver failed on all accounts to provide good service.

He has been given a final warning and demerit points and will be monitored closely. Should he lapse in providing good service again, we shall not hesitate to terminate our hiring agreement with him.

Ms Tammy Tan
Group Corporate Communications Officer ComfortDelGro Corporation

CABBIES, INFORM PASSENGERS EARLY

I REFER to the letter, "Small change on taxis not a must?" (my paper, Sept 11).

I have been a cabby for almost three years.

It is best if passengers, before boarding, ask the cabby if he has small change.

This can prevent misunderstandings or inconvenience to either party.

Cabbies do carry small change but we run out of small change at times, though we can suggest payment alternatives via Nets or credit card.

I would inform my passengers in advance if I was running out of change.

Cabbies do their best to make the ride as smooth as possible.

Mr Lawrence Tok

PASSENGERS, CARRY SMALLER NOTES

I REFER to the letter, "Small change on taxis not a must?" (my paper, Sept 11).

It will be best if passengers ask the cabby if he has small change before boarding the taxi.

Taxi drivers are not money changers. Moreover, it is better that they do not have too much cash on them, as they are possible robbery targets.

If a cabby has received a few S$50 notes in payment from previous passengers, he may not have small change for the next.

It would be a win-win situation if passengers carry smaller notes.

Madam Lim Quee Lan

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