Many will think that it is a step forward now that Penang taxi drivers have accepted the use of metered fare. Unfortunately, this is only a surface solution that will not resolve many of the problems that are faced by taxi drivers. If these major problems are not resolved, then customers will not benefit from the use of the meter.

It is easy to get angry with taxi drivers. Many of us can share stories of poor service, dishonesty, unsafe driving, and cheating. But not all taxi drivers are bad people. They are just dealing with a bad system.

The current metering system is a major part of the problems that taxi drivers face. The meter only operates when the car is moving, but the fare is measured in units of time, instead of units of distance.

This system means that the cost of a trip (eg from KL to Subang Jaya) can change depending on the traffic conditions and how much time it takes to get to the destination.

Is it a surprise that these unpredictable fares lead to unpredictable drivers and unreliable service?

The meter should operate by charging for distance travelled, not time taken for a trip. Metering by distance will lead to a taxi service that is more predictable and reliable, because both drivers and passengers will know how much the trip should cost. Drivers would be more willing to accept passengers and use of the meter would become more and more automatic.

As service becomes more predictable and reliable, then drivers can be encouraged to invest in larger, newer, more comfortable cars.

Passengers will still have many stories to share, but perhaps the good stories will outnumber the bad ones.