S2E1: Why taxi drivers are “changing shift” when you need them most

Improve your chances of getting a ride on a wet Friday evening with some hacks from this experienced cabbie. Synopsis: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times examines not just vehicle prices but wider transport issues and trends connected to public and private transport. Mr James Quak is among the 89,000 qualified taxi drivers in Singapore. In this episode of Wheel Insights, the 49-year-old sheds light on how taxi drivers work out their share of the vehicle rental and how they decide which ride booking to take.  Highlights (click/tap above): 2:35 The difference between being a taxi hirer and a “relief driver” 5:41 How much driving time makes up for daily taxi rental  13:59 Why taxi drivers don't look out for street-hailers 17:46 How much taxi drivers benefited during the East-West Line MRT disruption in September 2024 23:01 The reason why taxi drivers always seems to be changing shift during peak travel hours 25:39 Advice for those considering joining the trade Read Lee Nian Tjoe's articles: https://str.sg/wt8G Follow Lee Nian Tjoe on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/iqkJ Read more Transport articles: https://str.sg/KHyM Host: Lee Nian Tjoe ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Wheel Insights Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/iTtE Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/iqW2 Spotify: https://str.sg/iqgB Feedback to: [email protected] --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #wheelinsightsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.