Gone are the days where taxi driving is regarded as just a job for the older generation.
ComfortDelGro Cabbies Delon Tuan and Samantha Noh are breaking the mould. Cabby Tuan, 38, joined ComfortDelGro Taxi as a full-time hirer in June 2022, while Cabby Noh, also 38, joined in October in the same year. They belonged to some 960 cabbies in their 30s and 40s, a demographic group that makes up about 11% of the Group's total driver strength.
Both have found taxi-driving fulfilling so far.
Said Delon: “I love conversing with my passengers, and recommending local attractions to tourists on board my taxi. These exchanges become meaningful when you know you’ve made their day better.”
Sharing the same sentiment, Samantha added: “As a cabby, I often ferry elderly passengers who don’t know how to use ride-hailing apps. It’s nice to be able to help the elderly this way. Moreover, I feel empowered especially as a woman when I can make a living and take care of my kids at the same time, thanks to the flexible schedule.”
But, taxi-driving isn’t without its challenges as the two millennials agreed that taxi-driving is not as simple as one might think.
“Learning is a constant with this job. New places, new routes, and erratic road conditions. Dealing with all these requires real skills and experience,” said Samantha.
“This is why I have a newfound respect for taxi drivers in general. Taxi driving is not just about getting someone from point A to B. At its core, it is customer service. In fact, my friends and family have come to really appreciate my work when they see that I’m providing convenience and service to people,” said Delon.
They also concur that being younger has helped them adapt and learn faster on the job.
Delon said: “We are more tech-savvy and open to new ways of doing things so that we get booking jobs and earn better.”
Samantha added: “Of course, it helps a ton to be well-connected on messenger apps and social media. This way, I get inputs and support from other new drivers who are also passionate in what they do.”
Breaking moulds and stereotypes, young cabbies such as Delon and Samantha have injected new meaning into their work and are demonstrating how taxi-driving can be a viable and rewarding career too!