ERL fare hike will benefit metered taxi drivers

The metered taxi service from Kuala Lumpur to KL International Airport (KLIA) is expected to be the transport of choice of users following the fare hike by Express Rail Link (ERL) effective Jan 1.

Syarikat Big Blue Premium Taxi advisor Datuk Shamsubahrin Ismail said users in groups would find the taxi fares more affordable than the new ERL fares.

"Four users will only have pay average fare of RM130 for blue taxi and RM60 for red taxi one way compared to the more expensive ERL fare of RM220.

"The taxi drivers are expected to make more trips and this will lead to higher income," he told a press conference here, today.

On Dec 1, Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Noormah Mohd Noor announced that ERL fare for one way from KL Sentral to KLIA and klia2 would be raised from RM35 to RM55 effective Jan 1.

The fare restructuring is the first time since ERL began operation in 2002.

Shamsubahrin said the 40 daily trips by metered taxis from Kuala Lumpur to KLIA or klia2 is expected to double by next year.

"The ERL fare of RM35 used to be competitive but not for long. As such, users cannot complain of high fare."

On another note, he said Big Blue plans to sue Uber and GrabCar for encroaching their area of operation.

"Only registered taxis are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at Kuala Lumpur City Centre but Uber and GrabCar continue to do so.

"This is contrary to our agreement with the KLCC management. They (Uber and GrabCar) do not have a permit to do so," he added.

More than 800 taxi drivers are registered with Big Blue Premium Taxi.