Friday 29 June 2012

Euro 2012 final


Haha...I thought the final will be Spain vs Germany.
Boy, I was wrong.
But at the point Italy's win over England, I was wondering if Italy will be in the final.
Why?
Cos they didn't play well in their 1st 4 matches.
And yet they go through.
So just wondering if Italy will win it.
Why?
Cos maybe lady luck is with them.

Pile-up from accident causes traffic jam at Toh Tuck



STOMPer Brock was passing by Toh Tuck Road when he saw a pile-up that had been caused by a traffic accident. The pile-up caused a jam along the three-lane road today (June 29) at 4.30pm.

Said the STOMPer:

"A vehicle pile-up was spotted at the traffic light junction at Toh Tuck Road and Bukit Batok East.

"I spotted this at about 4.30pm today (June 29).

"There were three lanes on that road and the whole exit was blocked due to accident.

"A taxi also seemed to have mounted the curb."


PS:
Another accident with taxi involved.

Kudos to this honest cabby who returned passenger's iPhone



STOMPer Guynextdoor was impressed with the honesty displayed by a cabby who went out of his way to return his friend's lost iPhone.

Said the STOMPer:

"Kudos to taxi driver Mr. Lee and his passenger in returning the iPhone of my friend.

"Indeed most of the taxi drivers in Singapore have been very helpful and kind.

"As a foreigner in this land, we salute and give credit to them.

"I will try to call Comfort to commend Mr. Lee.

"God bless them always!!!!"


PS:
Well done, another honest cabby.

Thursday 28 June 2012

You should pay my ERP



Picked up a Filipino lady passenger from the Philippine Embassy.
She wants to go to Lucky Plaza.
Upon reaching there, she paid up.
Out of sudden, she asked why go extra $0.50.
I told her got ERP charge.
What she said next was quite a shock to me.
She said that I should paid for the ERP.
I told her, this amount is payable by the customer to the Government.
Than I move off to pick up next customer.

Cabby badly hurt after taxi and car collide at River Valley



STOMPer J noticed that a taxi and a car had been involved in an accident at River Valley Road at 8am today (June 28). The collision left the car facing oncoming traffic, and the taxi had crashed into a traffic light.

Said the STOMPer:

"This happened at around 8am today (June 28), at the junction of Clemenceau Avenue and River Valley Road.

"There were police personnel at the scene, taking statements from passengers.

"And I think that the driver of the taxi was badly hurt.

"The drivers were brought to the nearest hospital."


PS:
Wish the injured get well soon.
Drivers should really drive more carefully.





Wednesday 27 June 2012

国人搭德士10丑态



国人搭德士10大丑态公开:喝醉狂呕、海鲜带上车、吃零食、撕杂志、不付钱……
让德士司机噩梦连连!
我国拥车费高昂,许多人搭公交或德士,在500多万人口中有2万多辆德士,
相当于一辆德士服务每250人,密度之高在全球首屈一指。
德士司机看尽人生百态,有些乘客文明有礼,有些人动不动投诉,也有人丑态毕露。
《联合晚报》采访多名德士司机,揭露国人搭德士的10大丑态:
  • 喝醉狂呕
  • 整包海鲜放车内
  • 霸王客
  • 吃零食饼碎乱掉
  • 用大钞付车资
  • 为减价硬指司机绕长路
  • 让司机选路线却挑剔责问
  • 乱扔或偷撕车内杂志
  • 为赶路要司机闯红灯
  • 肆意玩闹和恶作剧
完整报道,请翻阅24.06.2012《联合晚报》。


PS:
Only 10?
Or there are more?

Cabby molested passenger while driving



SOURCE: The Straits Times
A TAXI driver has been jailed three months for molesting his 20-year-old passenger even as he drove. 

As the woman rode in Rhemy Eusope's cab from Bukit Batok to Choa Chu Kang, he reached out his hand to the rear seat where she sat and held onto her hand through most of the trip. 

The woman, who had just bade her boyfriend goodnight, had boarded his cab alone just after midnight on May 22, 2010.

Rhemy, 42, complimented her on how nice she smelt and asked her personal questions, such as whether she went to bed with any of her boyfriends.

He reached out his left hand to shake hers, but did not let go, and held onto it firmly, resting both their hands on her knees. 

The woman, who was afraid, tried to free herself and told him to drive with both hands. 

Instead of getting off at Choa Chu Kang North 6, she asked to be dropped off at Choa Chu Kang Street 54.

He kept asking her about her boyfriend, but she felt uncomfortable and ignored him, said Deputy Public Prosecutor Alan Hu.

When she paid him the fare, he told her to stay. He quickly got out and joined her on the back seat, took her hand, placed it on his thigh and lit a cigarette. 

He kept saying she was pretty and asked her whether she had any sexy photographs. Thinking it might get him to let go of her hand, she showed him the pictures in her phone. 

When she asked to go home, he asked for her number. She gave him her prepaid card number. 

He then stretched out his hand and she shook it. He kissed her hand, placed his hand over her shoulders and asked her for a hug.

He raised his voice when she ignored him. He then got the hug he wanted, and brushed his hand down her back. 

The court heard that she pushed herself away and was about to open the door when he forcibly kissed her on the cheeks and forehead.

She subsequently called her boyfriend, who told her to make a police report.

Rhemy, who has a similar previous conviction, pleaded guilty.




PS:
He should be locked up with the key thrown away.
He was given a 2nd chance but he don't care about it.
He really bring shame to all honest cabbies and people trying to turn over new leaf.


Tuesday 26 June 2012

Cabby leaves taxi unattended at cab stand



STOMPer Isaac spotted this taxi parked at a taxi stand by the side of the road, obstructing other cabs from stopping there.

"I spotted this taxi while waiting for a cab at the taxi stand.

"Even if the cabby needs to go to the toilet.

"He should have parked at a proper parking space instead of blocking other taxis here."


PS:
All drivers shouldn't anyhow park and leave their vehicle unattended.
Or else you might get STOMPed.

Cabby drives out of Jalan Bukit Merah carpark with open boot



STOMPer Teck En was concerned by this taxi driver who drove out of a carpark in Jalan Bukit Merah with the boot of the cab left open.

The STOMPer wrote:

"My friend and I were walking home from school at around 5pm today (Jun 25) when we saw this taxi drive past us in the carpark near Block 108 and 109 in Jalan Bukit Merah.

"The taxi was driving off even though the door to its boot compartment was not closed properly.

"There was an uncle ahead of us who shouted at the taxi in hope of getting the taxi driver's attention but failed.

"What if things from the taxi drops out onto the road? It may get dangerous for pedestrians and also other drivers who may accidentally run over these items.

"I hope this can serve as a reminder for taxi drivers to always check that the door to the boot compartment is closed properly before they drive off."


PS:
Every driver should always check if their vehicle's door or boot is close or not.
It can be dangerous when the vehicle is moving.

'There's a python in your taxi'



Taxi driver R. Chua, 56, has had his fair share of strange passengers. 
But none has been as strange as the one that tried to get into his cab last week.
Mr Chua had been about to leave his Shunfu Road flat last Monday morning 
when he got a call from his company, CityCab, telling him there was a snake in his taxi.
When he went to his cab, he found an almost 4m-long python curled up in the engine compartment.
Said Mr Chua: “I couldn’t believe my eyes."
Read the full report in The New Paper on Monday (June 25).


PS:
Really rare guest.
But a frightening one to have.
Lucky cabby is unhurt.

Man believed to have slashed taxi driver arrested



The police have arrested a 25-year-old man who allegedly slashed a taxi-driver at Jurong West Street 81.
They were informed that a taxi-driver had been slashed by his passenger who fled the scene on June 16. 
A series of ambush operations were conducted at locations 
he was known to frequent after his identity was established on Friday.
He was arrested and detained on Monday when he was spotted at Jurong West St 81, 
near the location of the offence. 
A chopper, believed to be the weapon used in the offence, 
and the clothes which the suspect purportedly wore at the time were also seized.
If convicted of voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous means, 
he may be jailed for life, and is also liable to a fine or caning.


PS:
Hope the cabby get well soon.
Recently alot of cabbies got attacked.
Hope this will stop soon.

Taxi driver jailed for paid sex with underage girl



SINGAPORE: A taxi driver was sentenced to three months' jail on Monday for having paid sex with an underage girl.

Chong Heng Kow, 53, pleaded guilty to paying the 16-year-old Vietnamese girl $100 for sex at a Geylang hotel last July.

The father of two was introduced to the girl by a couple who ran a prostitution ring.

Seng Swee Meng and his Vietnamese wife Ngo Tien were living off the earnings of underage prostitutes.

Seng was jailed five years in April, while Ngo Tien is at large after leaving Singapore last July.

In Singapore, it is illegal to have paid sex with girls under 18. Chong could have been jailed up to seven years and fined.

- CNA/de



A taxi driver who paid $100 for the sexual services of a Vietnamese girl 
was jailed for three months on Monday.
Chong Heng Kow, 53, admitted to one count of paying $100 to 
the 16-year-old girl at Fragrance Ruby Hotel in Geylang on July 3 last year.
A district court heard that a Vietnamese national Ngo Tien, 31, 
told the girl on July 2 last year that her husband, Seng Swee Meng, 41, 
would arrange for his friend to take her out. 
She also said that she need not collect the money first as the man was her husband's friend.
The next day, Ngo Tien called up the victim and told her to meet Seng and 
Chong at the coffeeshop near Lorong 42 Geylang.



A taxi driver who paid $100 for the sexual services of a Vietnamese girl was jailed for three months on Monday.

Chong Heng Kow, 53, admitted to one count of paying $100 to the 16-year-old girl at Fragrance Ruby Hotel in Geylang on July 3 last year.

A district court heard that a Vietnamese national Ngo Tien, 31, told the girl on July 2 last year that her husband, Seng Swee Meng, 41, would arrange for his friend to take her out.

She also said that she need not collect the money first as the man was her husband's friend.

The next day, Ngo Tien called up the victim and told her to meet Seng and Chong at the coffeeshop near Lorong 42 Geylang.

When she arrived, Chong took her to the hotel and paid her $100 for sex.

Seng, a pimp, is serving five years' imprisonment while his wife is on the run.

A second charge against Chong was considered during his sentencing.

Chong, who is married with two children, could have been jailed for up to seven years and fined for commercial sex with a person under 18 years of age.


PS:
He came famous for the wrong reason.

Sunday 24 June 2012

Kudos to honest cabby who returned lost iPhone to passenger



STOMPer Anuja says an honest cabby returned her iPhone to her, after she dropped it on the floor of her cab in silent mode. She hopes the cabby will receive a commendation from her company.

The STOMPer wrote:

"In this day and age, where the return of a lost handphone is like a dream... mine became a reality.

"On Friday, 22 June 2012 at about 9.20pm, I dropped my IPhone 4S in Madam Sharon Ang's cab (SHD490C).

"After many failed attempts to contact my handphone, in the hope that someone would find and return it; Madam Sharon contacted me with the help of her niece.

"I managed to get my handphone back.

"I am very grateful to her for her kindness and hope the company will recognize her remarkable actions.
"I never got to thank her personally as she had gone off to park her cab, while asking her niece to return my handphone to me when I arrived.
"Thus, through this message, I wish to thank her from the bottom of my heart.
"Thank you Madam Sharon!

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of TransCab who reacted promptly in broadcasting my report; in turn alerting all the drivers.

"My handphone was in silent mode, and had fallen to the floor of Madam Sharon's cab.

"However, when the message was broadcasted, she stopped her cab to do a full search and found my handphone."


PS:
Good to know there are honest people around.
Good to know there are people whom is grateful.

Saturday 23 June 2012

Why do taxis not provide child seats?


Why do not cabs provide baby seat? 
Is it legal not to use baby seat in the cabs? 
Why is private car needed?

Cabs in Singapore are exempted from the safety seat requirement because it is not practical for them to carry a variety of child safety seats of different sizes that are suitable for children of different ages.

Therefore, it is legal not to use child safety seat for child passengers in a cab. The cab drivers, however, have to ensure that anyone below the height of 1.35m rides only in the rear seats of cabs to mitigate the risks involved in the event of accident.

Anyone below the height of 1.35m who wishes to ride in the front passenger seat of a cab has to use his/ her own child restraint or booster seat to supplement the seat belt.

The Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Wearing of Seat Belts) Rules 2011 requires a person below 1.35m in height to be secured by approved child restraint appropriate for his/her height and weight or use a body restraining seat belt when seated on a booster cushion or when using a seat with an adjustable seat belt approved by the Registrar when travelling in a motor vehicle. This includes the private car.

The use of booster seat raises a child’s height to a suitable level to enable the child to use the adult seat belt safely.

Friday 22 June 2012

Will cashless be the norm for taxi?


Will cashless be the norm for taxi?
Some people will be for it, some won't.
For me, I do like the idea.
Why?
Cos without cash transaction, which robber would target cabbies?
Won't cabbies be more safe?
Less troublesome, no need scared no enough changes too.

Thursday 21 June 2012

S'porean student's death: London driver acquitted



LONDON – The trial of bus driver Shahriar Firouzian came to an abrupt end yesterday when the prosecution withdrew its case and he was acquitted of causing the death of Singaporean Tan Mingwei by careless driving.

“After reviewing the evidence yesterday, the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) is satisfied that there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction and it no longer seeks to take the proceedings further,” said prosecution counsel Hamish Reid.

Mr Firouzian, 52, sighed but was expressionless when Judge John Hillen directed that a “not guilty” verdict be entered and discharged him from the dock.

His lawyer Chandrakant Solanki said: “My client is very relieved that this case is now over.

It’s taken almost two years to be resolved. He’s very conscious of the loss suffered by Miss Tan’s family and friends. This whole matter has been a tragedy for all parties concerned.”

The acquitted man thanked his friends, family, the defence experts and his legal team for their support and help.

He was on trial for causing the death of Miss Tan, 20, a third-year medical student at Cambridge University, by driving carelessly on Sept 30, 2010.

She died from extensive internal injuries after being dragged under the bus for nearly a kilometre. Passers-by discovered her body in Belsize Park in north-west London.

In his statement to the police on Oct 2, 2010, Mr Firouzian said he had driven normally and thought his bus had run over a fox that night.

Miss Tan was the younger daughter of Singapore playwright and senior research fellow Tan Tarn How, 51, and his wife, a dentist. Mr Tan was not available for comment.

The trial, which began last week, heard expert witnesses from both the prosecution and defence.

In the absence of conclusive closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of or eyewitnesses to the bus hitting her, the prosecution had to rely on experts, camera footage and evidence found at the scene to recreate what happened that night as Miss Tan made her way to Hampstead to see family friends.

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesman said that during the course of the trial, some key aspects of the prosecution evidence, particularly with regard to expert evidence, were undermined.

“This weakened the prosecution case and meant we were unable to prove that Shahriar Firouzian had driven at a standard which was below that of a competent and careful driver,” he said.

The court had heard that CCTV footage from inside Mr Firouzian’s bus showed the bus had slowed to 3kmh as he turned right into Pond Street. The footage also showed him moving his head while making the turn.

Collision investigator Christopher Thorne conceded under cross-examination that “from the CCTV I can’t see that he’s doing anything wrong”.

In summing up, Judge Hillen reminded the court that while Mr Firouzian could not be blamed for the accident, “there’s a family who’s lost a daughter, a sister and a friend”.


PS:
He may not had did it on purpose, but the fact is that he had killed her.
He had to bear some responsibility and not walked away completely.
I really wonder why he didn't stop to check when he realised that he had run over something.
If he had checked, she might survived.






Motorist who fractured cabby's finger convicted of grievous hurt



A cabby who tried to take pictures of a motorist showing him the middle finger had his own middle finger broken by his angry subject.
S. Gopikrishnan, 46, was convicted on Thursday of grievously hurting Peng Weng Fong, 58.
During a three-day trial last month, a district court heard that Gopikrishnan's car shot out of Mount Vernon Road just as Mr Peng was coming up along Bartley Road on the morning of May 3, 2011.
The taxi driver slammed on the brakes to avoid a collision and also sounded his horn.


PS:
Nowadays, alot people really need anger management.
Fighting don't solve problems...only will make it worst.


Wednesday 20 June 2012

Unsafe cab ride worry



MY FAMILY and I had a disturbing ride in a TransCab vehicle last Friday. The driver was weaving constantly within the lane throughout the journey and the cause of it was his constant checks on the video camera showing the real-time image of the road ahead.

Reaching the destination, I asked him if the camera was a distraction while driving and he replied that he paid for it and installed it, and it was essential to safeguard his interest should an accident occur. 

Is there any quality control over the types of cameras that can be installed and is any training given to taxi drivers to use them without compromising safe driving?

It cannot be safe for the driver and passengers if the cabby keeps checking the camera instead of focusing on the road ahead.

Is this not akin to installing a DVD player at the front of the vehicle where the driver's attention is taken away from the road?

Often what may be a good practice may ironically lead to the very result we wish to avoid. While the proactive measure undertaken by cabbies is well-meaning, the ride I endured suggests that such vigilance may not only be self-defeating, but also dangerous.

Perhaps taxi operators and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) should review the types of cameras installed and their safe use by cabbies.

John Lim


PS:
Seriously, I don't why he need to keep looking at the monitor.
If its true, than he really need to have have his brain check.





200,000 S. Korea cabbies stage rare strike for higher fares, cheaper fuel



SEOUL (AFP) - More than 200,000 South Korean taxi drivers staged a rare day-long strike on Wednesday for higher fares and cheaper fuel, prompting authorities to run extra bus and subway services.
About 220,000 of the country's 255,500 licensed cabbies joined the stoppage, the transport ministry said, adding there would be extra buses in the capital Seoul and the second city Busan, and more trains on the Seoul subway.
'We don't expect any major transportation crisis since taxis are not a major part of people's daily commute,' a ministry spokesman told AFP. 'But we are still keeping a close eye on the situation.'
There was no major turmoil during morning commuting hours due to the increased bus and subway services and the absence of taxis actually eased gridlock on the roads, Yonhap news agency reported.


PS:
Not Singapore news.
Its Korea's taxi news.
Over 200k cabbies strike.
But will it work?


Mercedes cabby cuts into lane suddenly without signalling



STOMPer Mah says this Mercedes taxi swerved suddenly into his lane without signalling.

The STOMPer wrote:

"Look at the way this taxi driver drives. He just cut in whenever he wanted.

"He did not make any signal and this could have resulted in serious accident.

"I hope the taxi company can take action on this inconsiderate driver before he causes a serious accident."


PS:
Both drivers wrong.
1 cut too many lanes at 1 time.
1 failed to give way.

Tuesday 19 June 2012

Almost $95 tip


Got a booking from a 20+yo lady.
Safely sent her to her destination.
Final fare was $15.30.
She gave me 2 notes and 30cents.
As its quite dark, I didn't see properly but I know was 2 red notes.
I returned her $5.
She alighted.
As I was about to keep the money, I realised that 1 of the note is bigger.
As I take a closer look, I realised that the bigger note was $100.
I quickly chase after the lady.
Luckily, she she hasn't gone far.
And she passed me the right note.

PS:
So will you keep it or return?
Why I returned it?
Cos its not my money.
No point keeping it.
It may be gone in a bad way.

Monday 18 June 2012

Another taxi driver injured in unprovoked attack



A taxi driver was slashed on his arm by his passenger early last Saturday morning (16 June), the second case of cabbies being attacked this month.

In the latest incident, the 58-year-old CityCab taxi driver, identified as only Tan, was slashed by a male Chinese passenger with an unidentified weapon, reported Shin Min Daily News.

According to the report, Tan had picked up the passenger from Telok Blangah at about 6:20am and was told to go to Jurong West St 81. Upon reaching the destination, which is near a waste collection centre at the foot of  Blk 839, Tan stopped the meter and turned around to collect the fare.

It was at this point the passenger whipped out a weapon and started slashing him.

“It happened so quickly, and it was still dark. I couldn't see what weapon he was using,” Tan told The Straits Times.

The attacker striked again when Tan tried to retaliate.

The cause of the attack is unknown at this point. It did not appear to be robbery, however, as Tan said his assailant did not attempt to take his valuables.

It is also believed that Tan had tried to chase after his attacker on foot, resulting in a 20-metre blood trail at the scene.

The attack left Tan with deep cuts on his left arm, the Singapore Civil Defence Force told Yahoo! Singapore. He was sent to the National University Hospital.

Police combed the area for about five hours when they arrived at the scene, but no one has been arrested, reported ST. There was also no information about the attacker released.

When contacted by Yahoo! Singapore, the ComfortDelGro group, which operates the CityCab fleet, said they are “shocked to learn about the incident”.

Tammy Tan, the operator’s spokeswoman, added that their immediate concern is the well-being of their driver and that the company will be assisting him, while working with the police in their investigations.

According to news reports, the attack left Tan with damaged nerves in his left arm, which will require surgery. The driver added that he may quit driving.

In the earlier attack that happened on 8 June, a 48-year-old taxi driver was beaten unconscious by his passenger for driving a “lousy car”.

His attacker, reportedly a 30-year-old Korean man, has been arrested, and police investigations are ongoing.



男子搭乘德士下车前,突然发狂持武器两度袭击德士司机,
然后夺门而逃,德士司机手臂见红,鲜血直流,留下20米血路。
这起事故发生在昨早6时20分左右,
地点是裕廊西81街第839座组屋楼下的垃圾收集中心。
据了解,男乘客是在直落布兰雅一带拦截德士,前往上述地点,
岂料他在下车前却突然持利器袭击德士司机。
乘客干案后,打开车门逃离现场。
受访居民表示,事发时,他们听见楼下传来男性叫喊声,
也有人目睹一名男子朝第838座组屋方向跑去。
考虑不再驾德士;凶徒动机不明。
完整报道,请翻阅17.06.2012《新明日报》。


PS:
Sad and angry to see this type of cases.
Wonder why did they attacker attack the cabby?
Looks like its getting more dangerous for cabbies now.

Sunday 17 June 2012

Health is important



Recently the had become hot and humid.
Even at night is hot.
So we are more likely to get sick.
I am almost sick.
Thus not able to write more posts.
Health is important.
Do take more care of it.

Saturday 16 June 2012

Driver sets world record by parking in lot just 15cm longer than his car



Who says parallel parking is difficult? Master driver Han Yue of China has set a new Guinness World Record for the tightest parallel parking ever -- in a lot just 15cm longer than his car.

Han Yue was driving a special edition Mini called The Chinese Job at its launch in Beijing. The record was previously held by Italian stunt driver Patrik Folco, who managed to park in a space only 22cm longer than his car last month.

Said STOMPer ClintEW:

"That is some awesome driving!

"Asians should be proud that this guy is the new record holder for parallel parking.

"To those who say Asian drivers are the worst, you better start eating your words."



PS:
This driver sure can drift...

Friday 15 June 2012

德士司机多收$1.50 被罚$1000

德士司机乘机多收1元5角的附加费,
却万万没想到载到的竟是乔装成乘客的陆交局人员,
结果被“逮”着,惹官司被判罚款1000元,得不偿失。
法庭文件显示,代班德士司机谭金否认2次违反公共交通服务车辆相关的公路交通条例,
案件经过一天审讯,他被判罪成,罚款1000元。
谭金在去年6月25日深夜11时32分,
在乌节路上的先得坊德士站载了两名乔装成乘客的陆交局人员,把他们载到克拉码头。
两名陆交局人员当时正在执勤。
完整报道,请翻阅15.06.2012《新明日报》。

PS:
Sorry, I see date wrong.

Passengers run as metal pieces fall on BMW, taxi




STOMPer Unidentified Stranger saw a metal cladding falling from Prudential Tower Building on Cecil Street yesterday evening. The metal cladding smashed onto the rear of a taxi, damaging its boot.

The STOMPer writes:

"An unidentified object falls from the sky at Prudential Tower Building on Cecil Street yesterday evening.

"It cut through the branches of a tree, smashing onto the rear of a taxi in the process.

"The taxi was carrying a passenger but they were both unharmed."

It was reported by The Newpaper that three pieces of architectural metal trimming had fell from the roof of Prudential Tower. A BMW had its rear light smashed, another cladding smashed the boot of a taxi while the third metal cladding landed on the ground at a walkway nearby. The vehicles were parked behind the 30-storey tower.

A cladding is a cover typically found on building exteriors. They fell about 10m apart, and the longest piece measured about 1.2m.

A police spokesman said they received a call at about 7.15pm for assistance. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Management Corporation Strata Title for Prudential Tower said that they are currently investigating the cause of the incident.



Three pieces of metal cladding fell from the roof of the 30-storey Prudential Towers at Cecil Street yesterday evening, hitting a BMW and taxi parked in the vicinity.
The drivers of both vehicles and a passenger in the cab escaped unhurt, scampering to safety.
A cladding is a cover typically found on building exteriors. The metal pieces fell about 10m apart, with the longest piece measuring about 1.2m.
Read the full report in The New Paper on Friday (June 15).


PS:
They are really unlucky to meet with this.
But they are lucky to escape unhurt.

Thursday 14 June 2012

3 killed in sports car-taxi crash in China



Another fatal sports car-taxi crash in the wee hours of a morning has claimed three lives, this time in China, Shenzhen.

The driver behind the Nissan GT-R fled the scene after slamming into two taxis, one of which burst into flames after the impact of the high-speed crash sent it hitting a tree. The taxi driver and two passengers were killed instantly.

The accident, which has since attracted nationwide attention, happened on Beach Boulevard near the city’s downtown at about 3am on 26 May, reported Shenzhen traffic police in its microblog on weibo.

The reportedly intoxicated driver was said to be speeding at no less than 180km/h when he tried to overtake the two cabs.

The GT-R driver and his three female passengers, the other taxi driver and his passenger were said to have escaped with minor injuries.

The speeding driver, surnamed Hou, turned himself in to the police later that morning. Even after police confirmation that Hou was the driver responsible for the crash; speculation remains rife that he might not be the one behind the wheel at the accident but a fall guy willing to take the blame.

Shenzhen traffic police also said that there are no cameras in the area where the crash happened.

In many ways the China accident is similar to the deadly Ferrari-taxi crash that took place in Singapore three weeks ago. That pre-dawn incident involved a Ferrari and another two vehicles – a cab and a motorbike – and saw three people die afterwards. The Ferrari driver was killed on the spot while the taxi driver and his passenger both later died in hospital.



PS:
Though not Singapore news, but its similar to the Ferrari case.
But this case someone else is taking the fall.
The rich really don't give a darn about the law in China.

Stomp bloggers' take on cabbies


Ning

I had a cabby who told me that my red top was 'sexy' and 'revealing'
Ning
Magic Babe
- I'm sure everyone has taxi tales to tell - from irritating taxi drivers who can't stop yakking about the "gah-men" to reckless driving near-accidents or weird-smelling taxis.
Just before my business trip to Manila, I booked a cab from my bachelorette's pad to go for an event. Coincidentally, my next-door neighbour, Anna, was leaving her apartment at the same time with her fiancé to register their marriage at ROM.
Chatting, we headed down the lift together and a taxi pulled up in front of the apartment block. I recognized the license plate as the cab that had responded to my booking call. But, as my European friends were in such an excited rush, I let them take my taxi since I was in no hurry.
Less than a minute later, the taxi that had responded to Anna's call pulled up and I got in. When I looked up, I noticed a pair of glassy eyes leering at me in the rear view mirror. I gave my destination and avoided eye contact. Within a minute, the middle-aged Chinese taxi driver said: "Miss, your red top looks like a dodou... Very sexy. Your design in the front got holes... Very revealing."
Wtf?!
I ignored the cabbie, thinking how incredulously bold and unprofessional he was. The halter top I had on wasn't revealing at all and some things need not be said aloud. Throughout the journey, I noticed him leering through the rear view mirror as he complimented my make-up ("what rosy cheeks you have", "your eyelashes are so pretty", "your smile very sweet").
OMG.
When we got to my destination, I quickly paid and opened the door. For the first time, the driver turned to face me directly and said, in a creepy, sleazy voice, "Have a nice day, Miss Anna." I managed a thank-you and hightailed out of the taxi. Thankfully he didn't recognize me and mistook me for my neighbour since I took her cab. Whew! At least he didn't know my name or have my number.
Later in the evening, I texted Anna just to warn her that I had a feeling the pervert may try to contact her thinking we're the same person. Indeed, my amused friend responded that she did get a weird message that said:


Seriously? Is it just me, or is that just completely unprofessional and an absolute abuse of power? I mean, I totally understand why Comfort provides the client's mobile number and I've called for taxis many times; this was really the first bad experience I've had!
Later that night, Anna forwarded me another message from the disgusting driver:

Ningimage2
*roll eyes in disgust* I wouldn't be surprised if this creep has done this before.


Grace

Have you met the ‘Aunt Agony' Cabby?
Grace - Taxi drivers are the best people to dish out relationship advice when you are going through a breakup!
Aside from the fact that they have decades of life experience behind them and the volume of customers they ferry and speak with everyday, you will likely only meet the same taxi driver once in your life, even on this small island we call home.
So the same guy won't ask you "So, have you moved on to a new relationship?"
I realized this many moons ago when tearful after a breakup, I decided to take a cab home and not embarrass myself by taking a train or bus.
Little did I know that I was meant to meet that Aunt Agony Cabby.
He actually shared that while women like to cry, kick up a fuss, threaten suicide or something nasty, men are usually unfazed. What would really impress a guy who wants to break up with you is a cool handshake and your thanking him for the good times in the relationship, and then you cry somewhere else where he can't see you.
That will prompt the guy to ask himself if he is really losing a gem of a woman - someone so hard to find, and so unlike other women. ;)
And then there are some taxi tales related by friends...
The most memorable one was about someone's taxi driver uncle who got propositioned by the customer he was ferrying (she's a prostitute) - I suppose she wanted a free taxi ride PLUS cash for her services. So smart and so scary! First time I heard that, I couldn't believe that hookers were soliciting taxi drivers. Then I realized they are pretty savvy business people who ask for business everywhere they go. Hmm...


Ju-Len

"Singapore got a lot of idiots"
Ju-Len - YOU KNOW HOW you watch someone do something professionally, like drive a Formula One car or kick a football around or make love to Jenna Jameson on film, and you think, "Man, I could do better than that!"?
Well that's how I feel about taxi drivers! I don't take many taxi rides, and here's why: they can't drive, they won't stop talking, or both.
Most of them seem to have left their seeing eye dogs at home before they going on shift, which must be why they swerve all over the place instead of choosing one lane and sticking to it. They would probably do better by winding down a window and tapping a cane along the road.
If they're not blind, they're deaf or uncomprehending. I had one cab driver who couldn't (or wouldn't) understand simple instructions like "U-turn here, please" or "turn right here", and so ended up taking me pretty much a postal code away where I wanted to go, and making me late for an appointment in the process.
Honestly, why do we let people drive taxis if the mere concept of a u-turn is enough to befuddle them?
Then there was the cab I recently took in which the driver for some reason saw me as the perfect sounding board to tell me what "idiots" the people in Singapore were.
Some ang mohs were apparently idiots for trying to take their dogs into cabs with them, or queuing at the wrong place for a taxi.
Some China girls apparently dressed up in the finest gowns but revealed themselves to be idiots when they opened their mouths and only "rubbish" spewed out.
Goodness knows what kind of idiot he would have classed me as: "grinning moron who agrees blindly with everything I say", probably.
At least local cabbies have been fundamentally honest in my experience.
I had one in Ho Chi Minh City who drove me a few laps around the very building I was looking for, just to pad the bill. Bad news for her, since I just gave her the amount I felt was fair, and invited her to call the police if she had a different view about it.
Then there was the KL cab driver who was paid a fixed 58 Ringgit to drive me from KLIA into Petaling Jaya. "Eh, boss," he piped up from the front. "Next time you call me direct. No need to book from company."
"Ok," I answered. "How much from PJ to airport?"
He thought for a while.
"70 Ringgit, can?"
I pointed out that it would cost me only 58 to book the airport transfer properly.
He thought for a while more. "Then 58, can?"
Dishonesty and stupidity, wrapped up in one foggy mess of a human. Even I can take a kickback better than that.

Wednesday 13 June 2012

Woman calls cabbies a failure and tells them: 'Know your place in society'



STOMPer Fran said her friend came across these posts on Facebook, in which a woman rants about a taxi driver, and how he should know his place in society. The STOMPer's friend felt that this woman should not be so rude to the cabby.

Said the STOMPer:

"My friend spotted this on Facebook and sent it to me.

"She said,' Who is she to call the cabby a failure when he is the one doing a service to her? It does not matter whether the cabby actually 'talked back' to her, she shouldn't be so rude to him. Moreover, she had to say he lacked education and skill. Well, at least he has a decent job to support his family'."



PS:
Some people will always think they are more high class.
But the fact is they are not.
So just can't be bother with them.
They only want attention.
So why bother give it to them.

搭德士起争执双方粗话互骂 公司董事以铁棒打伤司机左手臂



公司董事同德士司机发生争执,双方用粗话互骂,继而对峙。
董事竟然用铁棒打伤司机左手臂,结果被判坐牢一个月。
他不服判决,提出上诉。
这起事故发生在2010年5月12日下午2点14分左右,地点是本茱鲁坊16号。
被告翟路(译音,41岁,预制金属建筑公司董事)
被控蓄意伤害康福德高德士司机张祥杜(译音,58岁)。
法庭判词显示董事在事发当天下午1时40分,传召伤者的德士,
把他从卓源东路载送到本茱鲁坊。
董事:被司机激怒。
完整报道,请翻阅13.06.2012《新明日报》。


PS:
Great, now even broad daylight also become dangerous.
Even educated person also can become dangerous liao.


Driver touched to see handicapped youth faithfully directing traffic at T2 every day



STOMPer Francis noticed this boy turning up to direct the traffic at the T2 car park out of his own accord everyday and thinks that Singaporeans ought to learn from his hard work.

He says:

"I highly admire this boy at Changi airport T2 taxi car park Q.

"For the pass few years, I noticed him turning up for duty faithfully.

"I am not sure if CIAS is paying him a salary but some taxi uncles give him tips.

"He had black and swollen legs, and might be mentally handicapped.

"He looks like he might be diabetic but he works hard despite his condition.

"Singaporeans should learn from him and complain less."


PS:
Saw him quite regularly.
Don't if he is related to anyone there?

Monday 11 June 2012

Cars honk as taxi holds up traffic in front of JCube carpark entrance



STOMPer Zuckerberk is annoyed with this taxi blocking the carpark entrance to JCube in the afternoon of May 16.

Said the STOMPer:

"I was driving from the nearest junction when a black Toyota Wish suddenly stopped in front of me and started honking.

"After some time, the black Toyota Wish overtook the vehicle in front of it.

"That is when I saw that a taxi driver was actually holding up traffic!"


PS:
Don't what to say.
If know they are waiting to join a queue, just overtake.

Taxi which stops without signaling causes driver behind to slam on brakes



STOMPer Zakaria89 was annoyed that a CityCab taxi did not signal that it was stopping, causing him to brake sharply to avoid hitting it.

The STOMPer said:

"I was turning in to Palais Renaisance when this CityCab taxi (SHB4776M) stopped in front of the zebra crossing, causing me to slam on my brakes.

"The hazard lights were not even turned on..."


PS:
Thats a small road.
When turning in should go at slow speed.
So both parties wrong.

Man flags for cab on road divider at Harbourfront




STOMPer namqul spotted a man flagging for cab while standing on a road divider at Harbourfront and wonders if this is allowed.

The STOMPer says:

"This man carrying a lot of luggage was trying to get a cab.

"He was standing on the road divider at Harbourfront.

"I don't think he's allowed to stand there and flag for cab."


PS:
Another person trying flag cab at divider.
Wonder did any cab stop for him?















Cabbies get special rates for medical checks



SINGAPORE: Some 13,000 cabbies who are members of the National Taxi Association (NTA) can now enjoy cheaper medical checks at four Parkway Shenton clinics.

Taxi drivers aged 50 to 70 only pay S$12 for statutory medical examinations at the Shenton Medical Group clinics at The Arcade, Toa Payoh, Jurong Point and Elias Mall.

Cabbies who are not members of the association have to fork out S$28.

Medical examination is compulsory for anyone who wants to become a taxi driver and for all existing taxi drivers on a regular basis.

For vocational licence application or renewal which requires a chest X-ray, National Taxi Association members pay S$22, compared to S$35 for non-members.

Parkway Shenton said it is looking at expanding the number of clinics covering these services to serve taxi drivers.

This initiative is an expansion of an earlier collaboration between the healthcare group and the taxi association.

In April, Parkway Shenton offered free medical checks on fitness to drive for all NTA members aged 70 years and above at all its clinics across Singapore.

Cabbies who are not members of the NTA pay S$2.

Dr Koh Hau Tek, medical director of Shenton Medical Group, said, "We are always looking into different ways to make meaningful contributions to our society. Through this latest initiative, we are happy to be able to make a positive impact on the well-being of the taxi drivers' community in Singapore, by allowing them access to affordable, comprehensive and quality medical examination services. We also hope to encourage many more healthy seniors to continue driving and live full, active and meaningful lives."

Mr Wee Boon Kim, president of National Taxi Association said, "We are pleased to have the support of Parkway Shenton group, which shares a common goal to further enhance the quality of life and overall well-being of our taxi drivers. Leveraging Parkway Shenton's strong expertise, network and competencies in healthcare services and health promotion, we can bring additional value to our members by giving them improved access to quality healthcare services at affordable prices."

- CNA/fa


PS:
Some good news for elder cabbies.

Sunday 10 June 2012

Taxi swerves recklessly to pick up passenger and almost crashes into car



STOMPer hochezz is shocked that this taxi swerved suddenly to pick up a passenger without regard for oncoming traffic. She wonders why such taxi drivers have not been dealt with.

Said the STOMPer:

"This stupid Transcab taxi driver is really damn desperate!

"Just for one passenger, he suddenly turned to the left at high speed.

"If he is searching for passengers, he should be hugging the left lane, not speeding on the right lane.

"Not only can the car behind crash into the taxi, the taxi can also mount the curb and ram into the passenger.

"Just because of this cabby's decision, an accident could have happened in so many ways.

"Even if I waited a long time for a taxi, I'd rather not hail this kind of cabby.

"He may just swerve and crash into me.

"Why aren't the authorities revoking the licenses of such cabbies?"

PS:
Both drivers should drive more cafeful.













Car crashes into taxi exiting Compassvale carpark



STOMPer Nicolas spotted a taxi exiting from the entrance of a carpark at Compassvale Street, causing a car that was entering to hit it.

Nicolas said:

"I was at home when I heard a loud bang from outside. This taxi was exiting from the entrance of the carpark and a car entering had hit it.

"The pictures were taken after the collision. It happened at Compassvale Street at around 9pm, yesterday.

"Is the structure of Singapore's roads getting more and more complicated?"


PS:
Every drivers really need to be more careful.

Saturday 9 June 2012

Lorry overturns and workers fall out after it collides with taxi



A lorry overturned after it collided with a a taxi along the Holland road and Farrer road flyover junction, causing the workers it was ferrying to fall out.

STOMPer Victor said:

"I saw this along Holland road and Farrer road flyover junction.

"The pickup lorry overturned and workers fell out.

"Nobody was injured.

"The lorry collided with the taxi.

"The taxi driver wasn't in the car anymore.

"There were no paramedics present except for traffic police."


PS:
Hope everyone is ok.
Don't know whose fault.
But everyone have to do their part to drive safely.

How can cabby concentrate on road when he uses so many gadgets?



STOMPer Hell Driver was on board a taxi when he realised that the driver was using too many gadgets while driving.

He wondered how the driver could concentrate on driving this way and whether this was the reason behind the many accidents on our roads.

The STOMPer wrote:

"This is a typical driver in Singapore.

"While driving, the driver used his mobile phone, iPad, GPS and glanced at his rear view and side mirror occasionally.

"I wonder how he could concentrate on his driving when he had so many gadgets to distract him.

"I think this is the main reason behind the many accidents on our expressways."


PS:
Stomper, please look properly.
This cabby is using a big monitor GPS.


Cabby trades currency while driving



STOMPer lizzie was amused to see this taxi driver trading currency while driving

The taxi has a device mounted on the dashboard that shows currency values.

Said the STOMPer:

"This is a very interesting cabby!

"I know many cases of multi-tasking while driving, but this one takes the cake.

"However, it will be better if he keeps his eyes on the road.

"As a passenger, I won't be comfortable having a cabby who gets distracted while on the road."


PS:
Dear cabbies, try to concentrate on the road while driving.
Remember, safety 1st.

Friday 8 June 2012

Cabbies, please don't smoke in your vehicles



STOMPer XYK feels that taxi drivers should not smoke in their cabs as the smell of cigarette smoke is overbearing and lingers on his clothes when he meets his clients.

The STOMPer wrote:

"As a smoker myself, I'd like to say first that I understand the smell of cigarette smoke irritates most non-smokers and I do try to stay away from them.

"However, in recent times, taxis are hard to flag at certain times of the day and even when you try to book a taxi, they are often not available. In saying so, I just have to take whatever that comes.

"In recent weeks, I have boarded SMRT and Comfort taxis that reek of cigarette smoke. Even as a smoker, the smell of stale smoke in a confined air con space is over bearing and it lingers on my clothes when I go out to see clients. I normally don't smoke when I see my clients.

"Perhaps taxi drivers should smoke somewhere else and not in their cab."


PS:
Well, its true about the smell.
When a heavy smoker enter a air-con vehicle or room, you will smell it.









Speed limiter for taxis



In the past, warning chimes were installed in taxis to alert drivers when they exceeded a preset speed limit.

Today, we have powerful taxi models that put many continental sedans to shame. 
A Hyundai Sonata taxi can easily pull ahead of me by three or four car lengths after the lights turn green.

With the recent accidents, the authorities should reintroduce the speed limiter in taxis, 
which should not be regulated the same as private cars.


PS:
There will always have good and bad drivers.
If really need speed limiter, might as well limit all car's speed to 80km/h.