ComfortDelGro to raise fares by S$0.50 from 13 Dec amid rising fuel costs and upcoming GST hike

Singapore's largest taxi operator, ComfortDelGro, has announced a fare hike effective 13 December, which it says is in response to escalating operating expenses driven by higher fuel prices, inflation, and the forthcoming Goods & Services Tax (GST) increase.

The revision will see flagdown fares of ComfortDelGro's main fleet, excluding limousine taxis, rise by S$0.50 (US$0.37).

Additionally, the charge for distances and waiting times will increase to S$0.26, up by S$0.01. This adjustment means that a typical 10km off-peak journey in a normal taxi will now cost approximately 6.8% more, increasing from S$13.80 to S$14.74.

However, limousine taxis will maintain their current flagdown rates, though their distance and waiting time charges will see a slight increase from S$0.35 to S$0.36.

Alongside these changes, ComfortDelGro is also adjusting its peak hour surcharge timings. The evening peak hour surcharge will extend by an hour, now covering 5pm to 11.59pm daily, including weekends and public holidays.

Additionally, a new peak hour surcharge will be introduced from 10am to 1.59pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

This fare increase follows a previous adjustment in March of the preceding year, which was the first in a decade. Earlier in 2023, ComfortDelGro had also introduced a platform fee increase of S$0.70 for rides booked through its CDG Zig app, aligning with charges imposed by other ride-hailing platforms in Singapore.

The upcoming fare adjustments are said to be a necessary move by the company to aid taxi drivers in coping with the rising costs of operation, ensuring their sustainable livelihood amidst the challenging economic climate. GST will be increased from 8% to 9% on 1 January 2024.

ComfortDelGro is reported to operate a fleet of 8,700 cabs, which comprises a significant portion of the 13,861 taxis currently in service in Singapore.