Errant taxi drivers: Let private firms handle checks and complaints

NST,Sunday January 10, 2010

We can write about enforcement until the cows come home but nothing is going to change.

I propose that either the Road Transport Department or Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board appoint
private companies to carry out the surveillance and handling of complaints instead of continuing to
lament that they are short-handed.

These companies can hire retired civil servants or ex-servicemen to videotape drivers at popular taxi 

areas such as KLCC, Chinatown, Jalan Bukit Bintang/Sultan Ismail, and MidValley.

They can also set up complaints booths for disgruntled passengers to complain on the spot.
These companies are to be paid for the video evidence and complaints submitted and it will be
up to the CVLB or RTD to call these errant drivers for an enquiry or summonsed if necessary.

Whatever the outcome, it will be a strong deterrent to these drivers who have been emboldened over
the years through lack of enforcement.

Good drivers like me will take greater pride in our vocation. It will also be easier for us to get more
passengers, and happy ones at that.

Another proposal the authorities must implement is not to allow drivers to get out of their taxis
to tout for passengers. They must remain seated when approached by a passenger and get out only
to open the door, or boot to load luggage.

It is very intimidating for passengers, especially tourists, when confronted by a taxi driver or a
group of them. Many of them can be quite threatening.

YS Chan

Kuala Lumpur