IN these cost-conscious times, it's hardly surprising that an overwhelming majority of Singaporeans polled by The New Paper felt that taxi surcharges should be reduced.

Of 90 Singaporeans polled, 84 per cent felt that taxi surcharges should be decreased.

Most felt that with the Budget easing the burden of taxi operators, commuters shouldn't be left out.

They argued that in these hard times, reducing or scraping the surcharge would help people cope financially.

Miss Siti Noorjihan, 23, an infocommunications officer, said that slashing the surcharges could help boost demand for taxis.

Ms Juliana Foo, 32, a tuition teacher, said: 'If taxi fares fall, this would encourage people to travel more by taxi.'

Others pointed out that when petrol prices went up mid-last year, consumers had to share the burden by forking out the 30-cent fuel surcharge.

Ms Caral Goh, 37, a part-time teacher, said: 'When petrol prices increased, customers were expected to pay more. So now these savings from rebates should be passed on to consumers.'

But 16 per cent of those polled felt that taxi surcharges should remain.

They said there were better ways of saving money.

Student Chew Shi Jie, 19, said: 'There are other forms of transport like trains and buses. If people really want to save money, they should take other modes of transport.'

Others felt that slashing the surcharge following the tax rebates may hit taxi drivers hard.

Ms Sumithra Retnam, 27, a sales executive, said: 'If you give them a rebate and reduce prices further, it will go back to square one. Keeping the surcharge will help drivers earn their living during these tough times.'

This article was first published in The New Paper on Jan 24, 2009.