Taxi drivers divided over rally

Some taxi drivers are disappointed over Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat held today, while it was business as usual for the rest.

Suraj Maniam, 28, who has made Central Market as his main base for the last ten years, didn't manage to secure any passengers since 11.30am.

"This is a tourist spot. I have to pay the taxi company for the daily permit so I don't know what to do know," explained Suraj.

"Tourists are scared to be in this area for now. The demonstrators should not convene here. Just go to Stadium Merdeka."

On the other hand, it was just like any other day for taxi driver Genesan Vello, 44.

"I've been around the area since 7am and managed to collect RM200," he said.

However, he said with or without the rally, taxi drivers who are based at Central Market are already facing stiff competion from the Go-KL free city bus service that covers the city centre.

"Our daily collections have dropped by 40 percent because why would they get a taxi when they can get on the free bus.

"To be honest, the introduction of the free bus service around the city has killed our business," said Genesan.

During Astro Awani's visit to Central Market, more than 12 taxis were waiting for passengers along Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock.

Asked why they didn't want to travel around the city to pick up other passengers, most said the situation would be the same around the city and it was unnecessary to travel elsewhere.