Cabbies at MBS ask for $65 to go to Orchard Road, nearby sign says touting and overcharging illegal

They are taking you for a ride literally and figuratively.

Taxis at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) are charging passengers $65 for a ride to Orchard Road, according to a TikTok video uploaded by 8World.news.

In the video, an 8World reporter asks two cabbies how much it costs to go to Singapore's famed shopping belt and the reply was $65.

To underscore the point that $65 is too expensive for such a relatively short trip, the video then shows a sign that read: "Taxi touting and overcharging are illegal.

"Fare must be charged according to the taximeter, plus applicable surcharges. Receipt must be issued upon request."

It was written in English, Chinese and Japanese.

A man wanting to go to Paragon Shopping Centre told the reporter: "I just flagged one down. I don't know if it's a fancier cab, but he said it was $60 something one way."

A family of six was seen getting into an MPV taxi, heading for a hotel in Little India. One of them told the reporter it was $65, adding: "Because it's raining and we are most tired of walking."

@8world.news 滨海湾金沙出现霸王车砍菜头现象严重，从金沙到乌节路四公里车程竟开价高达65元。记者也亲睹游客因赶时间，无奈硬着头皮上车。 https://bit.ly/3sZEX8d #sgnews #touting #taxi #8worldnews #8视界新闻网 ♬ original sound - 8视界新闻网

A tourist said he was late for an appointment at Orchard Road, but a cabby wanted to charge $60. So he decided against getting into the vehicle.

"$60 is really too expensive," he said. "Grab only costs more than $20."

He was surprised that this was happening in Singapore. He thought it was unfair for tourists as they had no way to complain and were forced to accept it.

One of the drivers told the reporter: "It's raining and there's a traffic jam. So it costs $65."

Some of the drivers asked the reporter to get into the vehicle first before "negotiating the price". After she revealed that she was a reporter, a cabby suddenly changed his story and said the fare was based on the meter.

An MBS spokesman told 8World that more manpower has been deployed to monitor the situation.

The Land Transport Authority said that it takes the matter seriously and soliciting passengers is illegal.

Update:

After the article, a reader wrote in to point out that the taxis involved were limo taxis, which charge differently from regular taxis.

"The listed rate for Point A to Point B is $65. So there is no overcharging," said the reader.

"However, these limo taxis are engaged in touting. So even MBS cannot get this right. Its notice should specifically state touting by taxis are illegal and not allowed."

But does the point-to-point fare apply in this situation?

According to the ComfortDelgro limo taxi fare structure, the flag-down fare should be based on the meter.

Also, the point-to-point fare of $60 or $65, depending on the vehicle, takes effect only from Nov 30 at 6am.