Malaysian taxi drivers must use the meter

The heading in the letter to the editor says it all, “Start by insisting they all use meters”. All the subsidies that are given to the taxi operators whether it is the fuel subsidy or recently launched tire subsidy would not make a dent in improving the taxi services in this country unless and until all taxis use meters.

I'll quote some paragraphs that I like:

“In Kuala Lumpur, the taxis have meters and display signs on the doors about "no haggling" but it's all "face" as most taxis refuse to turn the meter on.” This is so so true.

“The driver usually starts quoting a fixed fare of twice the normal amount "because of heavy traffic" or "because it's raining" etc. The abuse of the system is endemic.” Most often that not even if there is no heavy traffic and the sun is shining brightly, the taxi drivers will still pick and choose whether they want to take the passengers.

“Compare the situation here with that in Bangkok, Manila and Jakarta. In all these cities, the drivers turn on the meter without question and rarely try to cheat.” I have not been to Manila but I can vouch that in the other two cities which has a bigger population and worse traffic condition that in any city in Malaysia, the taxi drivers automatically use the meter, come rain or shine, irrespective of the traffic conditions.

“I may be wrong, but I don't think the tourism minister or SPAD chairman had ever tried to hail a taxi in the street. If they did, they would see a different reality.” I would like to give the benefit of the doubt here. Yes, maybe the tourism minister or SPAD chairman had tried hailing a taxi in the street just like the rest of us. At the moment both of them might be working diligently trying to find a solution to the perennial bad image of our taxi services. I am hoping and praying that they really did hail a taxi in the street and had the same experience as the public.

I just love the last paragraph:

“Perhaps the way to start is to go to Bangkok and find out how the system there works and why in Malaysia it is horribly broken.” Of course I'm biased, since every visit to Bangkok has been pleasant, and even during the period when they had different factions fighting to be the ruling government, the taxi drivers will still take you to your destination using the meter.

The key point has to be emphasised again: Malaysian taxi drivers must use the meter.

Image from killingtimewithijahamran