INTRODUCE TOURISTS TAXIS

INTRODUCE TOURISTS TAXIS

Tourists often wrote to this column , complaining not only of the deplorable taxi service , but also the rude,arrogant,and intimidating drivers, who refuse to use their meters, and charging exorbitant fares for shot distances .

These were among the many grouses we often hear from Malaysian and tourists. It is regrettable that the government has not been able to solve the problem plaguing the taxi services , since the days of the late Tun Sardon Zubir the then Minister of Transport.It has been a pain in the neck every time I read of the same old complaints . The law enforcement agencies must be forever acting without fear or favor against these errant taxi drivers, who sometimes refuse to take in passengers or refuse to go to the place where the passenger wants to go.They are running a taxi service and they have no right to refuse. Taxis should be more consumer friendly so as not to tarnish the country's image.
I suggest that the authorities introduce tourists taxis in all our cities These taxis should have a uniform colour ,with a 12 inch black and white chequered pattern opainted around the four doors of the taxi for easy recognition by the tourists. A large logo with the words TAKSI PELANCONG and TOURISTS TAXI painted on both the front doors. These metered taxis should be authorised to charge RM 10.00 on entry and thereafter RM 2.00 per kilometer . This works out to about RM 35.00 to RM 40.00, from KLCC to Petaling Jaya or Subang Jaya which I think is reasonable for a tourist to pay. instead of being cheated with a fare of Rm 100.00 to RM 150.00 for the same destination without using the meter.

I leave it to the authorities to plan as to whom the tourist taxi permit be given and the terms and conditions to be observed by the qualified drivers. I am sure if it is plan properly the tourists taxi will be a success and complaints from tourists will be a thing of the past.



NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA