You'd think that ever since we had the new taxi companies emerging taxis would have been more readily available. In fact, that was the rationale for having a new fleet of taxis, and new operators. But lately, or is it just me, taxis seem to be rather scarce. Oh sure, you see them around. But they zoom past you even when they're empty or when the blue light is litted up. Reason? They're ON CALL, or they're waiting to be on call.

Well, I can hardly blame them. During peak hours, the "on call" surcharge is $4 for some companies. Especially after 10pm, when company employees start to be able to claim for their transport home, taxis frequently not pick up passengers, but wait for calls. Those who are desperate for cabs, have little choice but to pick up the phone and dial the hotline.

I wonder if there'd be a day where taxis will not be able to be flagged down, but everyone will be forced to call for a cab. Seriously, that day may come. With this phenomenal arising, we can have 10 more taxi companies, but it makes no difference to the scenario on the availability of cabs. Personally I find this very irritating. Maybe because I'm stingy, and don't see the point of paying $4 extra for a cab ride that typically costs between $5 - 7. But sometimes we're left with little choice, especially if you're rushing to work and you're running late. Why do we feed this "habit"? If less people call for cabs, the taxi drivers will probably realise that they make better money by picking up passengers along streets.

I've had many a taxi driver complain about waiting in vain for passengers who dialed for a cab. Reason? One dials for a cab, and sees a free cab, and so choose to take the free one instead. After all, besides the issue of conscience, one has no obligation lawfully to wait for the dialed cab. Or worse, some people may call all the taxi companies, and see which cab arrives first. Guess that's the risk the drivers have to take, if they want to earn that $4 so much.

I don't blame them. If I were a taxi driver, I might be like that too. Or maybe, I'd weigh the pros and cons. On second thought, maybe I should just buy a car. :(