IRKED BY TERRITORIAL CABBIES
service users have complained of harassment by taxi drivers when waiting for their driver to arrive.
Recently, an Uber car passenger highlighted her experience with cabbies at the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) station in Batang Benar, Seremban, Negri Sembilan.
Alis Khairani said she was waiting for her Uber car when a group of cab drivers told her that she could not wait near their taxi stand nor request the e-hailing service at the spot.
She said the taxi drivers also showed her a notice which stated that no e-hailing rides could pick their passengers at the taxi stand.
She claimed that when her driver arrived, six cabbies told the Uber driver not to fetch passengers at the station.
“The Uber driver was given the notice by the cabbies. They even opened the door and told me to get out of the car.
“I had to alight as the Uber driver told me that he could not send me to my destination,” she wrote on her Twitter account.
“I walked away from the station and called my friend to pick me up instead.
“I was really scared as I was alone.”
Alis said moments later, all but one of the taxi drivers had stepped away from her and she noticed a cabbie recording her movements as she was talking on the phone.
She later reported the case to the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD).
Another regular e-hailing service user, Ben Ahmad, 37, said taxi drivers should improve their service and even join the e-hailing service.
“It seems that taxi drivers have a negative view of this service. Instead of scolding passengers for using Uber or Grab, they should know that what all commuters need is good and efficient service.
“I often get told off by cabbies for asking to go to a destination which is out of their way. This seems unfair as I am a paying customer.
“So, I choose Uber or Grab instead,” he added.
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A SPAD spokesman said officers were sent to KTM Batang Benar station to meet and record statements from the taxi drivers.
He said designated taxi stands were under the purview of local authorities and building owners.
“The taxi drivers’ association has obtained approval from the Railways Asset Corporation to establish the taxi stand at the KTM Batang Benar parking area.
“E-hailing drivers are only allowed to pick up and drop off passengers and that they must use an application to provide the service.
“As of now, e-hailing vehicles can pick up or drop off their passengers along the taxi queue opposite the existing taxi stand at KTM Batang Benar, which is about 10m away from the exit gate of the railway station.
“The taxi operators have also been reminded to lodge a report with SPAD when they find any violations of regulations.
“The commission also briefed the taxi operators and advised them to communicate tactfully with e-hailing drivers, especially when asking them to pick up or drop off passengers at the nearby public drop-off or parking areas,” he said.
The spokesman said there were no fixed locations for picking up or dropping off ehailing passengers anywhere else.
However, he said e-hailing drivers were disallowed from waiting for passengers at building terminals unless to drop off or pick up passengers.
He said SPAD regularly held meetings with taxi operators to iron out issues affecting them.