THE United Taxi Association of Johor Baru (Gapet) has called on the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to act against executive cabs which are picking up commuters at shopping malls
Gapet president Raja Mohd Nor Mohamad said a memorandum was submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak through Johor Baru MP Tan Sri Shahrir Samad several years ago.
“Complaints were also lodged with SPAD and the state government. However, we still see executive taxis competing with budget taxis around shopping malls,” he said.
He said some of the executive taxis or blue taxis had obtained their licences from companies based in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
“There are enough taxis in Johor and enough drivers who get their licences from Johor-based operators. Taxis with licences from non Johor-based should know that they are not welcome at malls,” he added.
It was reported that more than 300 blue, executive taxi owners were operating in the state.
“Blue taxis charge twice the amount budget taxis charge. Commuters often find about this only when they look at the meter or when paying the fare,” he added.
However, Mohd Rashidi Abdul Rashid, 49, who drives a budget taxi, said he did not mind the compettition from executive taxis.
“I understand that driver of executive cabs are also making a living,” he said.
“But, I am unhappy with the recent announcement that all budget and executive taxi operators with permits expiring on Oct 31 have to change their cabs to brown Proton Exora.
“The Exora is a bigger car than the Proton Iswara which I am driving now. It is going to cost more.”
Meanwhile, a 54-year-old taxi driver, who declined to be named, said the authorities should mark city roads with white lines. He said Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, especially, was not properly marked.
SPAD could not be reached for comments at press time.