Taxis cruising for a bruising

Spiralling fuel price has not only affected car owners but also taxi drivers. Even though most taxis use natural gas, taxi drivers have not been spared the repercussions of inflation. The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board tells TAN CHOE CHOE that taxi fares could be in for a review A SURCHARGE of RM5 was requested when this reporter called a popular radio-taxi service for a cab to Kajang from Salak South Garden a few days ago. The reason for the surcharge? "You have to pay the RM5 because Kajang is far from town ... it's our new policy," the operator tried to explain. Indeed, reports of taxi drivers asking, and in some instances demanding, a surcharge of between RM2 and RM5 -- sometimes more -- are not new. Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board chair Datuk Markiman Kobiran is quick to point out that these errant drivers are... [read full story]