I refer to “Taxi improvement programme on the cards” (The
Star, May 11).
The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has urged the
public not to give in to cabbies who haggle or refuse to use the meter.
I would say that most passengers are already practising this
when other options are available, and this is applicable for the purchase of
any goods or services.
For example, should a driver in a taxi queue at a shopping
centre refuse to use the meter or go to a destination; the passenger will just
walk to the taxi behind.
The driver at the head of the queue will have to drive off
empty otherwise he will be holding up many taxis behind that are ready to leave
with passengers.
Some taxi drivers, just like any unscrupulous trader, tend to
exploit when demand far exceeds supply.
When taxis are hard to come by, many passengers are likely to
agree reluctantly to a higher fixed fare instead of waiting indefinitely for
another taxi.
This is all the more compelling under a hot sun or heavy rain.
There is also the danger of an accident or crime while waiting for long periods
by the roadside.
It is difficult to say no to a taxi driver who refuses to use the meter under
such stressful situations, more so when accompanied by the elderly or infants.
The smarter passengers offer a tip in advance when calling for
a taxi to boost their chances of getting a radio cab to respond during the rush
hour.
Those rushing for appointment or to the airport would settle
for any taxi that will take them and may complain later for having to cough up
higher fares.
A taxi driver turning opportunist is bad enough but such
occasions pale in comparison to rogue cabbies that prey on passengers daily.
They can easily be found at many spots popular with tourists,
travelers or commuters. They get out of their taxis to tout for passengers and
gang up to keep other taxi drivers away.
SPAD should make a ruling that cabbies intending to pick up
passengers should remain seated behind the wheel and only get out to help, such
as loading the luggage.
It is very intimidating, especially for foreigners, to haggle
with a cabbie on his feet, let alone a group of them.
Putting an end to such open exploitation by rogue cabbies
would bring relief to many commuters and restore some pride to taxi drivers out
to make an honest living.
SPAD has given an indication of the Taxi Improvement Programme
(TIP) currently being worked out. It certainly looks very comprehensive and
promising.
There is little doubt that the professionals in SPAD will succeed
in transforming our taxi services eventually.
Meanwhile, the public should not be made to suffer as it does
not take rocket science to nab rogue cabbies preying on passengers in the open.
Enforcements at ‘happy hunting grounds’ would send ripples to
other taxi drivers. They may work like ‘lone rangers’ but would easily notice
any spot that is rid of rogue cabbies.
It will certainly make our city a friendlier place and
welcoming to tourists.
YS Chan
Kuala Lumpur
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