STOMPer Jim's taxi fare ballooned from $7 to almost $24 because of the traffic congestion at Jurong. Apparently, this was caused by road works at Jurong East Ave 1.

Says the STOMPer in an email (Jan 11):

"I would like to feedback on the inconsiderate road works by the LTA which are causing a massive traffic congestion.

"On 11 January 2011, I boarded a taxi at Jurong West Ave 1 going towards towards Teck Whye at 12.45pm.

"This journey would normally cost me about $6.80, but instead it came up to $23.40.

"I also arrived at my destination at 1.59pm, a good 1 hour 15 minutes after I boarded the taxi.

"This was due to the road works at the filter lane at the cross junction of Jurong East Ave 1 and also the road works opposite at the traffic light right outside Esso at Jurong East Ave 1.

"I was stuck in a taxi and travelled the distance of three bus stops in an hour.

"The congestion also caused more than 12 SBS buses to come to a standstill.

"I could see the frustration of people getting off the buses and walking to their destination instead and filming the massive congestion caused by the road works.

"I called up the LTA three times but the traffic management officer was out to lunch.

"Don't they need someone to be on duty to explain the situation and ease the frustration of passengers other than the Customer Service Officer who does not have enough authority?

"Finally a personnel just told me there won't be any LTA staff supervising the road works unless there are complaints.

"If there had been an emergency, the poor patient would have been dead because of the congestion.

"Aren't roadworks supposed to be done during the wee hours of the night?"