I HIRED a Trans-Cab taxi on 28 Feb in the evening from McNair Road, near Balestier, to Far East Plaza.
Upon arriving at my destination, I realised I had only $8 with me and the fare was about $9.55. I asked the cab driver to wait at the side so that I could go to the nearest DBS ATM at Far East Plaza on Level 1.
He then raised his voice at me saying how I should have told him earlier and not upon reaching the destination as he cannot wait at the zigzag line.
I told him to either accept the $8 or wait for a moment while I withdrew the money. I kept my shopping bag, as an object of trust, in the cab.
He yelled at me again: 'Of course, money lah, I want money.'
Unfortunately, there was a long queue at the ATM, and I had no choice but to join the queue.
However, in the rush I forgot to note down his licence plate number.
I know it's illegal to stop at the zigzag line, but the driver could have exited Far East Plaza and come back seeking the full fare, as I was prepared to pay whatever the fare was. I even told him to keep the meter running.
When I returned about 30 minutes later, the cab was gone. I then called Trans-Cab informing it about the incident and asked for a message to be broadcast for the errant cabby to return my shopping bag.
I also requested the customer service staff to inform me on updates, but none called. I had to call three times and was told each time that there wasn't any response, and that it could have easier if I had noted the licence number plate.
Finally, I received a call from Trans-Cab at about 10.40pm the same day informing me that the driver had left my shopping bag at the Neighbourhood Police Centre at Tampines Ave 4. I was told to pick up my belongings on my own.
While I demanded that my shopping bag be sent to me because I was not in the wrong, I understand that only the rightful owner can pick up the belongings from the police station.
The cabby's behaviour was totally unjustified.
I was also disappointed with the attitude of the customer service staff at Trans-Cab.
This is the third time that I am experiencing such behaviour by Trans-Cab cabbies.
I e-mailed the cab company twice, but have yet to receive a response.
