| Ishan Ibrahim |
THE new metered taxi system was launched yesterday during a ceremony held at the Premium Parking Area of the Brunei International Airport in Berakas.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, Minister of Communications, was present for the cutting of the ribbon to put in motion the operations of the metered taxis for the general public.
Also present were Haji Azhar bin Haji Ahmad, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications; Dr Haji Supry bin Haji Awang Ladi, Director of Land Transport and Chairman of the Motor Transport Licensing Authority (MTLA); committee members of the Brunei Public Transport Systems Transformation Project; senior officers of the Ministry of Communications and other departments under it as well as other invited guests.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Pengiran Khairil Yusre bin Pengirah Haji Mohd Yusof, followed by a welcoming speech by Sia Ho Chai, President of the Taxi Drivers Association of Brunei Darussalam.
Sia Ho Chai in his speech acknowledged the previous introduction of metered taxis in the 1980s but this was stopped due to certain circumstances at the time.
“The current metered taxi system initiated by the Ministry of Communications has the full support of stakeholders to improve the services of taxis in a controlled and systematic approach,” said Sia Ho Chai.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, Minister of Communications, launching the event. – ISHAN IBRAHIM
He also urged more women and the youth to come forward as taxi drivers to reduce the unemployment rate in the country. At present, there are three female taxi drivers in the country.
Sia Ho Chai further expressed his hope that the steps taken by the Land Transport Department (JPD) and the MTLA will help increase the earnings of taxi operators as well as encourage the youth to take up this endeavor as a profession.
He added that with the system in place, he hopes that locals and foreigners use taxis more.
The minister, committee members of the Brunei Public Transport Systems Transformation Project and invited guests also had the opportunity to board the taxis at selected destinations that included the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, The Mall Gadong and a route near the Tamu Kianggeh Complex.
According to the JPD, the newly implemented Metered Taxi System will ensure all taxi passengers are charged according to the proper and regulated rates.
The metered system charges $12 for the first 10km but may increase subject to traffic conditions. The system ensures that transportation by taxis will be cheaper for passengers.
Taxis will now have the identification card of the driver displayed in the cabin of the vehicle for the convenience of passengers.
A hotline for complaints for passengers will also be available in the cabin and the rear end of the taxis to ensure a safe journey and efficient service.
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