| Ishan Ibrahim |
ILLEGAL taxis or ‘taxi sapu’ should not be considered as a proper taxi service in Brunei Darussalam.
This was stated by Sia Ho Chai, President of the Taxi Drivers Association of Brunei Darussalam, during an interview with the Weekend Bulletin at the sidelines of the launch of the new affordable metered taxi system yesterday at the Brunei International Airport in Berakas.
Sia Ho Chai expressed his hope for the Land Transport Department (JPD) and other relevant parties to take stricter steps in addressing the issue or at least minimising their existence in Brunei.
He added that the government’s efforts to improve the public transport system must be lauded and this should inspire confidence in the public to use the new metered taxi system.
At present, there are about 50 metered taxis in the country and are available to transport passengers anywhere within the four districts, he added.
Haji Mohd Judin bin Haji Serudin, a taxi driver with 10 years experience in the taxi operator business said there are pros and cons in the metered taxi system.
Sia Ho Chai (PIC ABOVE), President of the Taxi Drivers Association of Brunei Darussalam, and Haji Mohd Judin bin Haji Serudin, a taxi driver with 10 years experience in the taxi operator business, talking to the Weekend Bulletin. – PHOTOS: ISHAN IBRAHIM
“The new system will provide a cheaper, more efficient and reliable form of transport but our earnings will be reduced,” he said. “Previously, a taxi ride from the airport to Bandar Seri Begawan would cost $25, but now it would cost around $13-$16.”
“We cannot compare to other countries like Malaysia or Singapore where passengers are waiting in queues for taxis at hotels, shopping centres and malls,” he added. “In those countries, it is almost a guarantee to get passengers from these strategic places.”
He further explained that in Brunei, taxi drivers would have to go back to the airport to look for passengers which will add to their fuel expenses.
“On a good day we will make about three trips to and fro the airport, which would amount to $40,” he said. “But this does not even cover much for the taxi operators’ car loans as well as other costs.”
He also lamented on the presence of illegal taxis where they would simply grab passengers at undesignated places and transport them to their destinations at very cheap rates.
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