SPAD sets up committee to look into effects of increase in fares to taxi operators

The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has set up an improvement committee to looks into the effects of increased taxi fares to the national taxi industry players.

SPAD chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said he hoped the committee, chaired by a SPAD officer and whose membership comprised taxi associations and operators nationwide, would meet soon.

"I ordered SPAD to set up the committee because when we raise the fare, they can suggest something, change the mindset and have a system of discipline and regulation for the taxi drivers involved.

"In other words, it encourages members to use the meter, being cordial with passengers and looking after the security of consumers," he said when met after introducing the application 'Meter On' to the public at the KSL shopping centre, here, today.

As of today, there are more than 46,000 metered taxis registered with SPAD nationwide, of which 36,000 are in the Klang Valley.

Earlier, via the application 'Meter On', which was launched two weeks ago, taxi drivers were said to have no way of cheating passengers because they would be monitored by consumers if they did not use the meter.

"We promise to take action within 24 hours after an offence is reported by a consumer and this report can be used as proof of the prosecution in court.

"But the case will be investigated before we proceed to issue a compound fine," he said.

'Meter On' which can be downloaded free via the mobile telephone android system, has attracted 16,000 consumers nationwide to use it.

In addition, more than 200 complaints have been received via the application.