An inside look at the challenges of taxi drivers’ schedules and their decision-making process.
In Singapore, there are approximately 89,000 qualified taxi drivers, each navigating a unique set of challenges in their work. One of these challenges is the issue of shift changes, which can sometimes leave passengers frustrated when they need a ride the most.
James Quak, a relief driver, shared his experience in an episode of Wheel Insights podcast, explaining the dynamics of how taxi drivers manage their rental shares and how they choose which rides to take. While working as a taxi hirer (driver who rents the vehicle), drivers often face the pressure of deciding whether to take specific bookings based on location and demand. This decision can impact their daily income and overall work experience.
Taxi drivers in Singapore typically avoid looking for street-hailing passengers, especially during rush hours or when they are close to completing a shift. Quak mentions that most drivers prefer ride-booking apps since they can more easily manage their time, reducing the chances of working past their shift hours.
During peak periods, such as the East-West Line MRT disruption in September 2024, taxi drivers benefitted significantly from the surge in demand. However, Quak explains that despite these occasional windfalls, the unpredictable nature of the job, coupled with the logistics of shift changes, often leads to reduced availability when people need taxis the most.
The decision to change shifts, particularly during rush hour, is often driven by both personal time management and the operational hours of rental agreements. This scheduling conflict results in some drivers being unavailable during critical periods, contributing to gaps in service that passengers experience.
For those considering joining the taxi trade, advice from experienced drivers like Quak can provide valuable insights into balancing the demand for rides, managing rental costs, and coping with the unpredictable nature of the job.
