Chasing cars

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to air travel. We can fly budget, enduring some lack in choices. We can choose to fly with a cheaper airline, discounting some comfort. More often than not, if it's a longer distance, many choose to pay a premium for travelling from A to faraway B within the least amount of time.

One of the grouses I get from my passengers is that our ticket prices are slightly higher than other airlines. It then invariably leads to them saying that they don't mind paying more for the premium service and extras that they cannot get on the other airlines. Staff are constantly reminded of the following.

"Passengers are paying more, be nice to all of them. All the time."

Back on the ground, things are not that simple. Taxis, which many authorities are calling a premium travel option, does not have that distinction from other travelling choices. You don't get anything more than having a cabin all to yourself throughout the short journey.



One is still at the mercy of the chauffeur at the wheel.

It's not a guarantee that he will take the shortest and fastest route. The fare charges are multi-tiered, not straightforward enough. Not all are safe drivers. He doesn't assist with your luggage. You may have caught him on a bad day and be subjected to his moods . If you don't dress or act the part, you may even be taken for a ride, bad pun intended.

I avoid taking a cab on most occasions. My estate is blessed with buses and mrt that ply to where I regularly need to go. I'd even taken up walking to my neighbourhood mall, 4 stops away.

Also, I am quite ngiao...

The few times that I do need to take a taxi, I am on the defensive and always looking out for service lapses. I'm going to start asking for a receipt as soon as I board the cab.

It's rarely as case of sitting back and enjoy the ride.

And all this, right before the holiday season.

As many a great scribe would write when faced with a situation whereby he cannot get any advantage in...

Lan lan lor!!