Tan Kin Lian's Blog: Cost of travelling

Monday, May 19, 2008

Cost of travelling - taxi and car

The petrol consumption on my Toyota Camry is 24 cents per kilometer. If I travel by taxi, the fare is 60 cents p kilometer (off-peak) and 80 cents (peak hours). So, taxi cost 3 to 4 times of driving. In both cases, I have to pay the ERP charges. I save on parking charges when I take a taxi.

Conclusion? Take the MRT!

7 comments:

nhyone said...: I'm sure you know this isn't a valid comparison.

A car also incurs road tax, insurance and maintenance.

If it weren't for season and per-entry parking, parking would have been much more expensive and more people will be discouraged from driving.; May 19, 2008 12:24 PM
hanglian said...: Hi Mr. Tan,

For some people, driving a car or not is not just about dollar and cents, there is a "face" value, a symbol of status, especially when cars are extremely expensive to purchase.; May 19, 2008 12:30 PM
KYH said...: I suppose Mr Tan is talking about people who needs to own a car, but can consider other choices like MRT or bus depending on convenience and destination.

This is what I do too.; May 19, 2008 5:28 PM
Tan Kin Lian said...: To nhyone

I was only comparing the direct cost of using a car and taxi. I agree with you that the car incur the other expenses, and that the total cost will be more than using a taxi.

If I have a tight budget, my preference is in this order:

1. Take public transport, ie MRT and bus.
2. Take taxis, e.g. no need to find parking space and pay hefty parking fees
3. Own a car, but only when necessary. Forget about "face".; May 19, 2008 5:33 PM
dsowerg said...: The order suggested by Mr Tan makes, sense, particularly after the hefty taxi hike.

I realised, however, that MRT and bus services have really deteriorated. I think it's going to get worse when LTA tightens the quality control. Either the public transport companies will raise fares, or they'll find ways to cut corners. For example, SMRT seems to be running less off-peak trains (since the LTA standard is for peak hours only) and the aircon is barely perceptible (I sweated my way from Yishun to Bishan yesterday!)

I would like to suggest motorcycling as a cheap and convenient way to travel! Petrol consumption is low (more than 20 km per litre) and parking is often free at shopping centres. Of course, you need a licence in order to ride a motorbike :); May 19, 2008 6:01 PM
Raymond T said...: Insurance and property agents feel that "face" is important for their industry. Hmm.....; May 20, 2008 11:33 PM
Vincent Sear said...: For many jobs where keeping up appearance is not of priority, motorcycle is a cheap alternative. However, for many sales and professional jobs where business attire is expected, motorcycling with helmet messing up hairdo and risk of sweat, wind and rain messing up the attire makes many consider it impracticable.

The MRT-and-bus system works fine for me, except perhaps putting up with standing during peak hours. I've heard many complained that it's slow and they'd be late relying on pulic transport. The trouble here is lack of time management and sense of punctuality, not with the system. A perennial latecomer will always be late even if given a Ferrari.

Taxi is not my mode of choice, but good in case of emergency, going to an unfamiliar place for the first time, and after midnight.; May 22, 2008 10:43 PM