Coupon system abolition: Putrajaya taxi passengers drop

Putrajaya taxis have seen an average drop of 200 passengers per day, since the abolition of the coupon system on April 1, said Putrajaya and Selangor Taxi Operators Association.

Its chairman Saari Omar said many taxi passengers were not satisfied with the new RM2 fare and meter system which requires them to pay RM2 at the counter prior to boarding these taxis and later pay the full fare according to the meter.

He said the association was planning to meet Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor next week and to forward the matter to the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD).

"The average number of passengers on Mondays dropped from 1,000 to 800 passengers, while on Tuesdays the average number dropped from 900 to 700 passengers.

"Passengers always thought that taxi drivers were deliberately using longer route but actually there were two or three routes to a destination. Under the old system they also did not have to worry about longer routes or traffic jams because the full payment was made at the counter," he told reporters at Putrajaya Sentral, here today.

Saari said the coupon system also ensured all taxi fares were paid.

Meanwhile, passengers met at the Putrajaya Sentral taxi counters said they were more comfortable with the coupon system.

READ: Infographics: Land public transport fares revision - before and after

According to G. Sirranjivi, 23, who frequently used the taxi to commute to work, the old system was cheaper than the new system.

"Previously, from here to Cyber Height cost around RM10.50 but now it is RM12. We did not have to worry if the traffic was bad previously, but now we have to pay more because of the higher fare even under the meter system," he said.

Mardiana Shahrom, 25, also wanted the coupon system to stay because passengers would not have to pay twice for fares.

"The fare under the coupon system is fixed, but if I use the meter system, I have to pay more if the driver takes the longer route. So I prefer the coupon system," she said.