It did happen to me once. I took a cab from GOLDEN Mile Complex to drop someone at Jalan Bahagia at Kim Keat before to Upper BUKIT TIMAH condo .
I told the taxi driver he missed the U turn to Lavender Street.
He told me it was his taxi and he liked to do his way. I told him that he went a big round along KPE, PIE, then CTE back to Moulmein before he could u turn back to Jalan Bahagia. I told him I had a iPhone applications that tracked the movement.
He said he would give me $5 in compensation. He was talking in defiance as if he was the big boss.
I told me I knew about the contract laws on taxi. I told him I could report him to police or authority and revoke his licence. I got evidence in my phone application “MOVE” that he did go a big circle to Moulmein Road. Later he softened his stance and apologised.
He spoke good English. I refused the discount reserving the right to go after him.
That’s why I prefer to take a grab instead. At least the fare is fixed and no matter what route the driver takes, it will be the same stated amount. It happen to me and my wife too. We boarded a cab at waterway point taxi stand and wanted to ho to Tampines.
The driver actually took a much longer route and to rub salt into the wound, he actually went round and round Tampines looking for street 82 even after I told him my destination is just opposite OTH.
So sad. Too tired to argue. Paid the fare and took it as a lesson learn. I have not taken a taxi from then. The above opinions are mine alone and not intended to cause any harm or misunderstanding to anyone or parties whatsoever.