Why is a river boat called a river taxi and not a river bus in Singapore?

Question

We are on a boat 
Travelling from here to there
 Or actually to no where
 We`re cruising on our Mama`s River 
The sky is full of cloud
 The boat is filled with people
 We do not know each other
 Nevertheless we all smile ( haha)
 I `m wondering why
 A river boat is called a river taxi
 And not a river bus 
For standing is allowed everywhere.


.Note: A bus travels a fixed route and stops at designated station 
          A taxi picks passengers  and  stops almost anywhere 
          The river taxi travels on a designated route and  stops at fixed stations 

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Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I have no information about Singapore. "Bus" is short for "omnibus" which means "for everybody". "Taxi" is short for "taxi cab" which is short for "taximeter cabriolet" which was a carriage with a gear attached to the wheel to measure the cost of a trip according to the distance. People are not always consistent about applying the meanings of words that they adapt to new situations, especially if the words are in a foreign language.

Anonymous · Answer

Have you just been to Clarke Quay/ Boat Quay in Singapore? LOL.
As a Singaporean, I don't really know why is it called a "river taxi" and not "river bus"


Maybe a taxi sounds more erm...high-class? :P

jimmy · Answer

A  mistake was made...and it stuck....   Singaporeans do not really care whether it is call a taxi or a bus.....   or fo that matter, a car or a horse [  If you go into a hotel and asked to see the rules.... they will hand you the Inn Keeper rules which mentions horses....and carts...]

Nat · Answer

A question rarely asked
transformed into a unique
piece of free verse.
Very interesting.
G.

surprised · Answer

It's only a name, what's the big deal?

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Why is a river boat called a river taxi and not a river bus in Singapore?

5 Answers