I received a current booking on 22 Jan'07 to pick up a lady passenger from Ngee Ann City Taxi Stand for Pasir Ris St. 71. I didn't talk much to the lady as she seem tired. As I am not very sure of exactly where St. 71 is, the lady agreed to guide me when we reach Pasir Ris. After she alighted at about 10.35pm, I turned out from carpark and turn right into St. 71 again with the intention to go to Changi Airport to pick passengers.
Immediately after I turned right, a big burly Malay man (about 1.78m tall) waved for my cab in the opposite direction. He have tattoos from his neck down to his arms and legs. (I can see the tattoos on his legs because he is wearing bermudas not skirts, ok). As I could not make a U-turn because of the road divider with a 750mm railing, I stopped my cab for this guy. I was actually hesitant to pick him for safety reason (you know what I mean?), but decided to take the chance. Despite his imposing size, he manage to jump over the railing and speedily get into the front seat of my cab. He seems to be in a hurry and told me to go to Yishun. "Eh, which part of Yishun are you going Sir?" It was intentional on my part to ask him and confirm my suspicion that he is not what I suspected (a robber) and also to make sure that he knows what he is talking. He went blank for a moment as I proceed to drive forward (Aha, I got him square on this question, I thought). After an agonising wait of about 10 to 15 seconds for an answer, he blurted out, "North Point, go by TPE". "Ok" was my reply as I continue driving towards TPE. Just as I was about to exit towards TPE, he asked, "Uncle, where are you going?" "I thought you said go by TPE?" "Yes, but this is going to Changi Airport." "Oops..." I apologise to him and made a U-turn. "I am not very familiar with this area, could you guide me to TPE exit towards Yishun?"
I reach the exit of TPE in less than 2 minutes. As I drove along TPE, crazy thoughts went through my head. What if he wanted to rob me? Can I take him on? Physically, I may not be able to (He weighs something like 90 to 95kgs). I comfort myself that all Comfort taxis are installed with a panic button for cases like this on the right side near the accelerator pedal. Will it be too late to depress the button as he can see what I am doing from the front passenger seat? Will this be the end of my taxi driving career? What will happen to my family? Throughout the journey, there was no conversation. He probably can sense that I am uneasy.Sheesh, and I really am.
It was a relief that we are nearing North Point. As I was about to turn right at the traffic lights, he told me to proceed ahead. He did not intend to go to North Point. God, now this is really getting to be more than a suspense as my earlier thoughts ran through my head again. "Turn right at the next junction, into Yishun Ring Rd and stop at the corner of the junction." "OK" was my reply. Phew, that was close. I am not suppose to stop my cab at the corner of the junction as it is against the traffic rule but at least he didn't asked me to stop at some secluded place. I stopped my cab at the corner of the junction as asked and stopped the meter. It shows $12.60 but I told him $12.00 as I had made a wrong turn at the start of the journey and gave a discount. "No lah Uncle, cannot lah! You also cari makan mah!" He paid me the full fare. I thanked him for the fare and generosity and drove off.
Wow! That was some experience. Again, come to think of it, if he had wanted to rob me, he would have taken the back seat. It is easier for him to hold me at ransom from the back. But then again, he would not be able to see what I am doing with my leg. Oh well, I have to move on. This is one experience that I will definitely remember. I have to be more cautious in future.
Cheers!
Monday, 29 January 2007
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
Vehicle Refused to Start
After only having about 3 hours sleep on 20 Jan'07 in the wee morning after my Friday night drive, I woke up at 6am as usual on Saturday. (Usually, I would drive longer hours on Fridays, Saturdays and eves of Public holidays as there are more merry makers on these days) As I opened the door of my cab I found to my horror I couldn't start it. The battery is near flat. I could jump start the cab if I can push it to the edge of the slope where I parked my cab. I have this habit of taking precautions just in case something like this happen. Lucky for me, the cab is a manual transmission. I pushed and pushed and God, it was real heavy. I think it weigh something like 1.5 to 1.6tons. As I pushed the cab, 2 guys walked pass and stared at me. I was hoping that they would help me push to jump start the cab, but no, they gave me a pathetic look and go on their way. My fault. Because I didn't open my golden mouth. But hey, I am near breatheless. If I see anyone in the same situation that I am in, I will without fail offer my help without being asked. At that moment, I was literally struggling to push it with all my might as I tried to steer the cab towards the top edge of the slope. In my younger days, I would have no problem pushing it. I am now in my 50's and is slowly losing my physical strength as the years move on. The steering wheel is also real heavy without the power steering. I refused to give up despite the fact that I am losing my stamina and strength quickly and finally managed to get it to the top of the slope. With a final look at the downslope, I turned on the ignition key and give it a last full-bodied push and quickly jumped into the driver's seat as it gained speed down the slope. I depress the clutch, engaged into 2nd gear and let go of the clutch. The engine sprung to life. Oh, the sweet beautiful sound of the purring engine. As I pant and try to catch my breathe, I drove off slowly with the aircon switched off. This will allow the battery to charge faster. I manage to make 9 trips after that.
Later on, I sms my partner and told him of the problem and that I will be sending it to Sin Ming workshop for checking. On reaching there, the mechanic checked and told me, "Wah, Uncle, you never check the battery water one is it?" "Hah! I thought you guys will check it when you carry out the monthly servicing?" "No! You have to check it yourself." I now realised that Comfort is unlike private workshops where the mechanic will carry out multiple checks on the vehicles and top up whatever fluids if necessary. Life must be easy for the mechanics.
Kind of stupid of me though for not checking it in the first place. Later, as I refuelled for the impending handing over of shift to my partner, I bought 2 bottles of battery water. I opened the battery caps and found that the battery is indeed dry, (now this is dangerous as it may possibly explode if I continue driving it without battery water). I emptied the 2 bottles and found that it is still insufficient. I bought another 2 bottles and only then it is just enough to fill it to the maximum recommended level.
Now this is the first time in my 31 years of driving that I have actually top up a battery with 4 bottles of battery fluid. I suspect that the battery is of inferior quality. Today, I checked the battery level and found that the fluid level had gone down a bit and it is not normal as I had only topped it up on 20 Jan'07. The lubrication oil is also below the minimum level (something to be concerned of), despite the fact that this vehicle is only about 4 to 5 months old. Well, I have to be more careful in future about this issue.
Cheers.
Later on, I sms my partner and told him of the problem and that I will be sending it to Sin Ming workshop for checking. On reaching there, the mechanic checked and told me, "Wah, Uncle, you never check the battery water one is it?" "Hah! I thought you guys will check it when you carry out the monthly servicing?" "No! You have to check it yourself." I now realised that Comfort is unlike private workshops where the mechanic will carry out multiple checks on the vehicles and top up whatever fluids if necessary. Life must be easy for the mechanics.
Kind of stupid of me though for not checking it in the first place. Later, as I refuelled for the impending handing over of shift to my partner, I bought 2 bottles of battery water. I opened the battery caps and found that the battery is indeed dry, (now this is dangerous as it may possibly explode if I continue driving it without battery water). I emptied the 2 bottles and found that it is still insufficient. I bought another 2 bottles and only then it is just enough to fill it to the maximum recommended level.
Now this is the first time in my 31 years of driving that I have actually top up a battery with 4 bottles of battery fluid. I suspect that the battery is of inferior quality. Today, I checked the battery level and found that the fluid level had gone down a bit and it is not normal as I had only topped it up on 20 Jan'07. The lubrication oil is also below the minimum level (something to be concerned of), despite the fact that this vehicle is only about 4 to 5 months old. Well, I have to be more careful in future about this issue.
Cheers.
Thursday, 18 January 2007
Passenger's Unethical Behaviour
16 Jan'07 after finishing my lunch at Tiong Bahru Food Centre at 1330hrs, I drove off from the Multi-storey carpark with the intention of taking an afternoon break before continuing with my shift work at 1630hrs. At the bus stop opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza at about 1338hrs, a young Indian lady flag my cab and says she is late and have to reach Choa Chu Kang Loop by 1400hrs. I told her the shortest way is via Clementi Rd but it's not the fastest way as there are many traffic lights. I recommended going by Farrer Rd, PIE, Dairy Farm, Upper Bt Timah Rd and Teck Whye Way straight to CCK Loop but it will be costlier due to the longer distance. Besides, I cannot guarantee I can reach the place in such a short time of 20 minutes. I told her that if she took the MRT, it would probably take about 40 minutes to reach the destination considering that she has to do a transfer at Jurong East Interchange and then when reached the place, it would be a mad rush to her block. All in, it may possibly take about 50 minutes.
With her consent, I drove towards the suggested route. When I reached Dairy Farm, I only have about 7 minutes left to 1400hrs and the fare is already $10.40. Then she asked if I can give her a discount. I told her that I have already mentioned earlier that it would be costlier. She kept pleading with me for the discount. I told her we will talk about it when we reach her destination. As the minutes ticked by, she became even more anxious and kept pestering me to hurry. I told her I am already doing my best after breaking so many traffic rules. Speeding is the most expensive offence with 12 demerit points if caught. Come to think of it, it is rather foolish of me to drive the way I did.
I reached her place about 1403hrs and the meter reads $13.60. She pleaded with me to accept $9.00. What? 33% discount? I told her even with the shortest route from Clementi Rd, it would have cost her more than the $9.00 she is willing to pay. Besides, I really was pushing all the way to help her so that she can be there by 1400hrs. Completely upset with her, I reluctantly accepted her offer, at the same time consoling myself that I could be worst off and possibly have returned home empty cab from Tiong Bahru.
Lesson: Never ever perform such stunts again. I may be lucky this time round but one day, just one day, I will be caught for the offence and it would not be worth the money the passenger paid me. Next time, if ever a passenger tells me the same reason that he/she is in a hurry, I will tell them matter of factly that I don't want to break any traffic rules as this is my rice bowl. This is not the first time I encountered problems with such passengers, but rather third time. The first two were the same reasons. Promising to pay me and asking for my bank account number so that they can transfer the money to me because they don't have money with them at the moment. Eventually, the first one (a guy owing $10.90) never did despite repeated promises for the 3 weeks and the second one tooks close to 3 weeks of pestering before she finally said she had transferred the money to my account and asked me to check immediately. I can't be bothered to check the $6.30 she owed me and simply told her I trusted her.
My response to such experience in future would be if they can't afford to pay, just tell me and I would treat it as a donation to charity and will not pursue the matter anymore. Besides, all the phone calls and smses I sent would have already been a big discount and it would not be financially worthwhile to continue pursuing. I should move on.
So much of the encounters, I promise myself to never ever be foolish again and fall into such trap. I must be careful with such people in future.
Cheers.
With her consent, I drove towards the suggested route. When I reached Dairy Farm, I only have about 7 minutes left to 1400hrs and the fare is already $10.40. Then she asked if I can give her a discount. I told her that I have already mentioned earlier that it would be costlier. She kept pleading with me for the discount. I told her we will talk about it when we reach her destination. As the minutes ticked by, she became even more anxious and kept pestering me to hurry. I told her I am already doing my best after breaking so many traffic rules. Speeding is the most expensive offence with 12 demerit points if caught. Come to think of it, it is rather foolish of me to drive the way I did.
I reached her place about 1403hrs and the meter reads $13.60. She pleaded with me to accept $9.00. What? 33% discount? I told her even with the shortest route from Clementi Rd, it would have cost her more than the $9.00 she is willing to pay. Besides, I really was pushing all the way to help her so that she can be there by 1400hrs. Completely upset with her, I reluctantly accepted her offer, at the same time consoling myself that I could be worst off and possibly have returned home empty cab from Tiong Bahru.
Lesson: Never ever perform such stunts again. I may be lucky this time round but one day, just one day, I will be caught for the offence and it would not be worth the money the passenger paid me. Next time, if ever a passenger tells me the same reason that he/she is in a hurry, I will tell them matter of factly that I don't want to break any traffic rules as this is my rice bowl. This is not the first time I encountered problems with such passengers, but rather third time. The first two were the same reasons. Promising to pay me and asking for my bank account number so that they can transfer the money to me because they don't have money with them at the moment. Eventually, the first one (a guy owing $10.90) never did despite repeated promises for the 3 weeks and the second one tooks close to 3 weeks of pestering before she finally said she had transferred the money to my account and asked me to check immediately. I can't be bothered to check the $6.30 she owed me and simply told her I trusted her.
My response to such experience in future would be if they can't afford to pay, just tell me and I would treat it as a donation to charity and will not pursue the matter anymore. Besides, all the phone calls and smses I sent would have already been a big discount and it would not be financially worthwhile to continue pursuing. I should move on.
So much of the encounters, I promise myself to never ever be foolish again and fall into such trap. I must be careful with such people in future.
Cheers.
Sunday, 14 January 2007
Bad Weather Again
Thursday 11 Jan'07, I picked up 2 Caucasian gentlemen and an Indonesian lady at Terminal 1. Strange that these 3 passengers have no luggage with them. As usual, I greeted them and asked where they would like to go. One of the Caucasian jokingly said, "Where are we heading guys? Yati, where would you like to go? We have a few hours to spare. Shall we go to the Police Headquarters? I think that's where we will go. Ok, we go to Police HQ."
As I drove along ECP towards Marine Parade, they were talking about something related to some cases or something related to it. Then, the same guy asked again, jokingly, "Yati, would you prefer to do some shopping?" I told them the nearest and biggest shopping centre is Vivo City, which is near the Police HQ. Then I asked the same gentlemen again, "You are not joking with me about going to Police HQ are you, because I have not pick any passengers from the airport without luggage except those who sent their friends and relatives off? "Yeah, don't worry. We go to Police HQ, then we go to Vivo City, right Yati?"
When we reached Police HQ, I stopped behind a row of cars that was under the direction of the policeman on duty. The same gentleman said they would like to alight first. Ok, no problem. After they alighted, the policeman stopped my cab and said I am not allowed to let passengers alight at that spot where I had earlier and pointed to the camera above. I apologised for it and said I wasn't aware of it. He pointed to the double zig zag lines on the road and again said to next time stop further down where there is a double line. I said ok and apologise once again. I hope won't get a fine for it.
Friday on 12 Jan'07 is a day to remember. Not because it's interesting but for another reason.
I was driving along Bt Timah Rd (4m/s) near the newly opened NUS Campus on the extreme outer lane on my way home for a short break in the afternoon about 3pm. It has been raining since 11 Jan'07 afternoon when I saw that the water level had risen to about 600mm near the top of the monsoon drain, which in my view, is pretty dangerous if it overflow and spill over to the roads. If it had continued raining unabatedly without break, I belief that area would have flooded. This brought back memories of the 1969 - 1970 when the area stretching from Whitley Rd/Stevens Rd/Bt Timah Rd junction right up to Chinese High School is often flooded whenever there is a heavy rain. I was then studying at Dunearn Secondary Technical School (no longer around) and my mother and sisters would be really worried whenever it rains. Even heavy vehicles can't pass through the knee high water level back then and had fallen victim to the flood. If there is a flood and vehicles stalled, fear not. There would always be help around from the malay communities living around that area. The boys and men would be out half naked to help you push your vehicle to side of the road or dry land for a small fee. Good money back then.
I would like to take a break for now and will be back again.
Cheers.
As I drove along ECP towards Marine Parade, they were talking about something related to some cases or something related to it. Then, the same guy asked again, jokingly, "Yati, would you prefer to do some shopping?" I told them the nearest and biggest shopping centre is Vivo City, which is near the Police HQ. Then I asked the same gentlemen again, "You are not joking with me about going to Police HQ are you, because I have not pick any passengers from the airport without luggage except those who sent their friends and relatives off? "Yeah, don't worry. We go to Police HQ, then we go to Vivo City, right Yati?"
When we reached Police HQ, I stopped behind a row of cars that was under the direction of the policeman on duty. The same gentleman said they would like to alight first. Ok, no problem. After they alighted, the policeman stopped my cab and said I am not allowed to let passengers alight at that spot where I had earlier and pointed to the camera above. I apologised for it and said I wasn't aware of it. He pointed to the double zig zag lines on the road and again said to next time stop further down where there is a double line. I said ok and apologise once again. I hope won't get a fine for it.
Friday on 12 Jan'07 is a day to remember. Not because it's interesting but for another reason.
I was driving along Bt Timah Rd (4m/s) near the newly opened NUS Campus on the extreme outer lane on my way home for a short break in the afternoon about 3pm. It has been raining since 11 Jan'07 afternoon when I saw that the water level had risen to about 600mm near the top of the monsoon drain, which in my view, is pretty dangerous if it overflow and spill over to the roads. If it had continued raining unabatedly without break, I belief that area would have flooded. This brought back memories of the 1969 - 1970 when the area stretching from Whitley Rd/Stevens Rd/Bt Timah Rd junction right up to Chinese High School is often flooded whenever there is a heavy rain. I was then studying at Dunearn Secondary Technical School (no longer around) and my mother and sisters would be really worried whenever it rains. Even heavy vehicles can't pass through the knee high water level back then and had fallen victim to the flood. If there is a flood and vehicles stalled, fear not. There would always be help around from the malay communities living around that area. The boys and men would be out half naked to help you push your vehicle to side of the road or dry land for a small fee. Good money back then.
I would like to take a break for now and will be back again.
Cheers.
Wednesday, 10 January 2007
The Christmas Countdown/Showdown
So, the Christmas Countdown is here and gone but not the memories. But I was not on duty for that day. I was on duty from 22 Dec'06 noon to 24 Dec'06 noon but I was caught in it earlier that the eve of Christmas. Particularly on 22 & 23 Dec'06 as the days fell on Friday & Saturday respectively. The whole of Orchard Road is full of activities and people doing their last minute shoppings. On both nights between 10pm to 12midnight, the situation is quite chaotic as there was a lack of supply to meet demand. There were many attempts on cab-jacking, literally. Most of the trips I made are for on-call bookings, which comprises about 60% of my fares. One couple on 23 Dec'06 along Orchard Boulevard before the turn-in to Wisma Atria (the guy actually) was trying to pass of as the person I am suppose to pick at Wisma Atria but when I asked for his name, he just went er, yabba yabba. Aha, gotcha. Sorry, I am suppose to pick up a Ms. Agnes and your name is not even close to it. I think guys have thicker skins than the ladies.
I was practically all over the island from 5pm onwards on 23 Dec'06, starting from the Western to Eastern to Central to Northern and to Southern and back and criss cross all over. Yes, business was quite good but there is a limit as to the physical ability of the body, the mind and we need breaks to relief ourselves. But overall, it is a really interesting night. I hardly had chance to talk to the passengers as they are usually couples and I would not want to bother them in their small sweet talks. I left the passengers alone for the most part of this festive mood except to wish them "Merry Christmas" when I reach their destinations. And now I would like to say "Good Night". Wife is making some background noise now about me being on shift duty tomorrow.
"I'LL BE BACK"
I was practically all over the island from 5pm onwards on 23 Dec'06, starting from the Western to Eastern to Central to Northern and to Southern and back and criss cross all over. Yes, business was quite good but there is a limit as to the physical ability of the body, the mind and we need breaks to relief ourselves. But overall, it is a really interesting night. I hardly had chance to talk to the passengers as they are usually couples and I would not want to bother them in their small sweet talks. I left the passengers alone for the most part of this festive mood except to wish them "Merry Christmas" when I reach their destinations. And now I would like to say "Good Night". Wife is making some background noise now about me being on shift duty tomorrow.
"I'LL BE BACK"
I am back
Wow! Can you imagine it? My computer was down since 23 Dec'06 and I was like handicapped until 5 Jan'07 evening when my daughter's friend, Wei Ming, so kindly came over to help me reset it. I was only doing my virus scan on that day and am not sure what went wrong after that. I just simply couldn't log in. Tried a few days calling Singnet for help but wasn't able to get through their technical hotline and was always put on hold for hours, and I mean really hours. I was using my home cordless phone and put it on hands-free speaker and just simply let it play until the battery went flat. I leave it to you people out there to guess how long was the wait. Exasperdated, I hung up, recharged the phone and call again. After more than 30 minutes of being on-hold, I finally manage to get though the line.
At last, there is life out there in Singnet after all, after days and many many attempts and frustration in trying to get through the line. Can you imagine what that guy told me? "Sir, don't worry, I am here to help you solve your problem." Yeah, nice comforting words. Anyway, I was just happy to be able to talk to a human after days of talking to the ASTD(+-*/) machine. I was just glad to have an expert over the phone to guide me in resetting.
I explained to that guy the problem I faced and the reply was because of the Taiwan earthquake. Yeah, I know. But hey, he wasn't paying attention to what I was trying to tell him. I wasn't able to log even before the quake happened. Wah, he mean to tell me my computer got sixth sense that the quake is about to happen and took the initiative to break down first. After he learnt that the router I was using D-Link ADSL router together with Linksys wireless router, his immediate response was that it was not compatible with Singnet's network. Huh! My impression of this guy changed immediately after that statement was made. I am not sure if this guy is really helpful or an expert after all. Hey, I have been using that equipment for the past months without problem and now he says it's not compatible with Singnet's setting. Okay, fine. Benefit of doubt given. He asked me to hold the line after confirming my telephone number and the phone line went silent. No background music to soothe me or indicate that I was on hold, while he, presumably went in search for assistance. Initially, I wasn't sure whether to hold the line or hang up. After much deliberation, I decided to hold the line and was waiting for something like 10 minutes (now that would be quite dumb under normal circumstances but thinking back on the days and many attempts in trying to get through the line, I waited) before I made the final decision after 15 minutes to hang up. I would expect that this guy would call back as he has my number but then as it turn out, there was no call. What kind of service is this? I intend to pursue this issue with Singnet in the foreseeable future. Fortunately, we have other ISPs available. But until now, Singnet still have a sizeable market share and that is probably the reason why they can afford to be lax on their service. Okay, today's topic wasn't suppose to be talking my computer problems but rather my taxi adventure, which I will publish in another posting.
Cheers
At last, there is life out there in Singnet after all, after days and many many attempts and frustration in trying to get through the line. Can you imagine what that guy told me? "Sir, don't worry, I am here to help you solve your problem." Yeah, nice comforting words. Anyway, I was just happy to be able to talk to a human after days of talking to the ASTD(+-*/) machine. I was just glad to have an expert over the phone to guide me in resetting.
I explained to that guy the problem I faced and the reply was because of the Taiwan earthquake. Yeah, I know. But hey, he wasn't paying attention to what I was trying to tell him. I wasn't able to log even before the quake happened. Wah, he mean to tell me my computer got sixth sense that the quake is about to happen and took the initiative to break down first. After he learnt that the router I was using D-Link ADSL router together with Linksys wireless router, his immediate response was that it was not compatible with Singnet's network. Huh! My impression of this guy changed immediately after that statement was made. I am not sure if this guy is really helpful or an expert after all. Hey, I have been using that equipment for the past months without problem and now he says it's not compatible with Singnet's setting. Okay, fine. Benefit of doubt given. He asked me to hold the line after confirming my telephone number and the phone line went silent. No background music to soothe me or indicate that I was on hold, while he, presumably went in search for assistance. Initially, I wasn't sure whether to hold the line or hang up. After much deliberation, I decided to hold the line and was waiting for something like 10 minutes (now that would be quite dumb under normal circumstances but thinking back on the days and many attempts in trying to get through the line, I waited) before I made the final decision after 15 minutes to hang up. I would expect that this guy would call back as he has my number but then as it turn out, there was no call. What kind of service is this? I intend to pursue this issue with Singnet in the foreseeable future. Fortunately, we have other ISPs available. But until now, Singnet still have a sizeable market share and that is probably the reason why they can afford to be lax on their service. Okay, today's topic wasn't suppose to be talking my computer problems but rather my taxi adventure, which I will publish in another posting.
Cheers
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