'Thank you for saving my life': Man looking for Strides Premier cabby who drove him from JB to CGH
Update on Jan 27:
In response to a Stomp query, Strides Premier's general manager of vehicle leasing business Ms Khoo Gui Ju identified the driver who ferried Stomper Alexxus to Changi General Hospital.
"We are proud of our taxi partner, Ng Ching Boon, for going the extra mile to assist a passenger in need," Ms Khoo said.
"His humility in viewing his thoughtful act as simply part of his duty is especially commendable.
"We are pleased to recognise his exemplary service, which reflects our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our passengers."
Original article:
A 50-year-old man wants to express his deep gratitude to a Strides Premier taxi driver who safely ferried him from Johor Bahru (JB) to Singapore while he was in severe pain.
Stomper Alexxus, who lives in JB, said he had been alone in his apartment when he was suddenly struck by an unfamiliar condition that caused both his knees to swell severely, leaving him almost unable to stand or walk.
Despite the pain and being "almost immobile", he made his way to Larkin Taxi Terminal on the night of Jan 14 to book a $60 licensed cross-border taxi to Singapore.
"At the counter, the attendant assigned a driver to me and I paid cash directly to him," he said, adding that no receipt was issued.
A cabby from Strides Premier was assigned and instructed to take him straight to Changi General Hospital (CGH).
Alexxus recalled that the taxi was bright green and bore a Singapore-registered licence plate.
"He drove steadily and calmly because he knew I needed to get to the emergency department pronto," Alexxus said.
The journey to CGH took about an hour, during which Alexxus said he was in excruciating pain.
When they arrived at the hospital, the driver went far beyond his duties.
"He got out of the car, opened the door for me, brought a wheelchair and pushed me all the way to the emergency department," Alexxus recounted. "There was no time to waste."
Amid the urgency and medical staff attending to him, Alexxus said he regretted not asking for the driver's name or noting down the vehicle number.
"All I managed to say was, 'Thank you very much, uncle,'" the Stomper added.
"I owe my gratitude and want to respectfully thank this exceptional human being for saving my life.
"Not once did he panic while driving or engage in silly conversation. He knew his assignment and acted correctly."
Alexxus was discharged from hospital on Jan 18 and has since returned to JB. He said doctors diagnosed him with osteoarthritis.
He is now recovering and hopes to reconnect with the driver who helped him during one of the most frightening moments of his life.
"He was amazing and very thoughtful," he said. "His actions restored our faith in humanity.
"To Strides Premier's JB to Singapore taxi service, I hope you can extend this highest gratitude of mine to this driver. I'm in tears just thinking about the ride as he drove me safely.
"Thank you, Uncle, for saving my life!"
Alexxus also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of using licensed JB to SG cross-border taxi services at Larkin.
He said: "These taxis operate 24 hours and can take passengers directly to their destination in Singapore. Singaporeans should always use licensed services.
"They deserve an A* from me with no exception."
If you are the driver who drove Alexxusfrom Larkin to CGH, please contact Stomp at stomp@sph.com.sg or WhatsApp 9384 3761.
Stomp has reached out to Strides Premier for more information.
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