NST,Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The new low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) is scheduled to be ready next year. Already, taxi associations are calling on the authorities not to repeat the mistake of allowing the new facility to be monopolised by a single taxi operator, as in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
They are also rejecting the coupon system as practised in KLIA, KL Sentral and several shopping centres in the city. Instead, they are proposing that taxi fares be meter-based with a RM3 surcharge.
In a monopoly, the exclusive operator would not be able to cope with a sudden surge in demand over a 24-hour period or during peak seasons.
No doubt, an oversized fleet may be acquired with a huge capital outlay, but the business and operations would not be sustainable. Drivers would not stay when their taxis are idle half the time, as they would suffer a drop in income.
Passengers needing a taxi at KLIA have little option with regard to the vehicle or driver. Worst, they may find themselves in a long queue. Such indefinite wait is taxing and it is a shame that our international airport is often dragged down by the taxi service.
The coupon system based on the average fare covering a wide zone and a 10 per cent surcharge is unfair to either passenger or driver. Drivers are happy with the money in their pockets, but often, the operator deducts 10 per cent.
Passengers would be paying less when the 10 per cent levy is replaced with a RM3 surcharge and drivers keep the cash at the end of each trip. Such an arrangement depends on how well the appointed operator manages the system.
First, the plan to open up the airport taxi service at the new LCCT to all licensed metered taxis should be lauded as it is fair. However, there must an automated system to ensure that blacklisted drivers and taxis are barred.
The taxis should be inspected for cleanliness, tyre condition, seats, body and paintwork, validity of road tax and Puspakom stickers; driving licences, driver’s card, and meters printing out a correct receipts. The drivers should be properly attired and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
However, such checks would not be able to determine whether the meters tampered.
If any passenger suspects that he or she is paying higher than normal, it is better to obtain a refund from the taxi operator than argue with the driver.
If the operator refuses to entertain complaints, then we would be back to square one. Most passengers find it pointless to complain to the authorities. They would rather seek recourse with the operator for a quick resolution.
The taxi system not changed over the years even despite the many meetings and dialogues between the authorities and taxi associations.
Many people are unaware that nearly all taxi companies do not employ or have control over their drivers. Drivers may drive a new or used taxi after paying a deposit and sign a rental-purchase agreement.
The driver would then be left to his own devices as long as he continues with the monthly payments. After installments are fully paid, the driver get to own the vehicle, minus the taxi licence.
All maintenance costs would have to be borne by the driver as the taxi is insured for third party cover only. With his meager income, the driver would not be able to cough out a large sum of money while suffering a loss of income.
As such, it is no surprise that taxi drivers fall easy prey to Ah Long. Desperation often compels greed and dishonesty. Therefore, the number of errant taxi drivers continues to grow.
In some neighbouring countries, taxi drivers are employed and controlled by taxi companies. Here, the authorities and taxi companies continue to blame to each other.
The nation’s interest should be placed above all else and the Land Public Transport Commission can only transform the taxi system through innovation and bold action. Public transport affects our productivity and competitiveness and taxis are an important cog.
Poor taxi service is just as bad as dirty toilets, streets, beaches and environment. Combined, they are a looming threat to our tourism industry and may scuttle our plans to attract 36 million foreign tourists and RM156 billion in tourism receipts by 2020.
YS Chan
Kuala Lumpur
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