Although the increased use of private-hire cars, like those from Grab and Uber, may have caused traffic congestion, these services play an important part in providing a convenient service to commuters (Private-hire cars may be adding to congestion; Sept 4).

They are a welcome alternative to the current cab drivers and cab companies.

In many ways, they are a boon to frustrated taxi commuters who have had to put up with the cavalier attitude of cabbies all these years.

It is a wake-up call for all the cab drivers and cab companies.

Perhaps, difficulties in hailing a taxi during certain hours and bad weather will soon be a thing of the past.

Perhaps, we shall see the revival of a standardised fare system, or even cheaper fares.

Perhaps, the fight for survival will make recalcitrant cabbies buck up and prompt them not to ignore commuters frantically trying to flag down their vehicles on the road.

We may witness the mergers of cab companies or even their demise.

But this may be for the better.

Anthony Ng Seet Boo