I EMPATHISE with Mr Roland Larsson's experience in waiting for a taxi at Gleneagles Hospital ('World's best taxi service - also one of the worst'; ST, July 5).

Mr Larsson has harshly given our taxi service a negative rating following his one bad encounter in 50 visits to Singapore in 10 years.

As a regular taxi commuter over the past 25 years, I beg to disagree.

I find the taxi service one of the world's best in terms of cleanliness, safety, efficiency and honesty, not to mention the reasonable fare. There are sufficient taxi operators and fleets for there to be healthy competition.

The information counter of Gleneagles Hospital or the security guard can help one to book a taxi, if one is needed urgently.

There are also other modes of transportation within walking distance of the hospital, like buses and the MRT.

The display of 'Change of shift' signs or placards specifying destination works well. If a commuter waiting in a queue is headed in the same direction as the cabby, he is welcome to hop in.

The number of taxi drivers who talk loudly or use mobile phones (with earpieces, of course) while driving is very small.

Lastly, let us not forget that taxi drivers have a certain amount of prerogative. As it is their own business that they are running, surely they would not slam the door on potential customers and drive around all day without passengers.

If they are running empty, there would be a sign to state the reason, and the public should accept the situation, giving the benefit of the doubt to the small number of drivers who abuse the sign.

After all, at the end of the day, they still have to pay rental for the taxi, regardless of whether they have met their personal fare quota.

I consider myself lucky to have always met with courteous and pleasant drivers. To them I say keep up the good work!

Matthew D. Sukimto

This letter appeared in the ST forum on 12 July 2007