KL Taxis! SPAD not so smart idea I read The Star report that SPAD wants to introduce a brown 1.6-liter MPV Proton Exoras will become the face of Malaysia’s taxis nationwide. Somehow I was not thrilled by the decision. Being a regular user of taxi in KL let me share some of my thoughts. In my opinion SPAD is creating more problems and fail to do adequate due diligence in coming out with taxis for the future. The future of public transport needs to realistic, practical and pose an equitable solution that benefits taxi owners, drivers and the public. Unfortunately the usage of the brown Exoras did not serve the purpose as provider of short rides. The urban taxi of the future must be one that is small from outside, big on the inside and must be energy efficient and provide the necessary comfort and safety to the in particular to the driver and to a lesser level to the passengers. We must appreciate drivers spent 10-12 hours sitting in their cabs and their safety and health takes primary importance. In many major global cities among others, these were the criteria used in coming out with future cabs. We should be looking at designing cabs and not merely putting a logo taxi on a 7-seater family MPV called Exoras’ and call them TAXI. This is one monstrous car that produces less power per unit fuel. It is not energy efficient and not environmental friendly. It’s interior is design for a family car and not shuffling passengers between 2 points. It is less maneuverable in traffic. We should focus on cars with lower cc that gives the desired power output. The car must be lightweight. All unnecessary items should be removed. Unnecessary weight contributes to higher fuel consumptions. There isn’t any need for taxis to carry a standard size spare tire or having a fuel tank. Every single thing that has weight and not useful should be removed. Replace it the energy unit with lightweight NGV tanks for now and move towards pure electrical vehicle when it is readily available. Is there a need for cabs to have boot space? Given an option, I think for KL traffic, the basic chassis and body of Alza or Honda Freed is ideal as a future cab in KL. We could easily configure it into a 4 passengers car with a folding chair for the left front seat. The seat can be rotated and folded to carry large cargoes if necessary. It is small from outside but roomy from inside. The Freed has a good height clearance and it is cost efficient to manage. Imagine a Freed that carries only NGV tank that last 500km, light weight and comfortable for driver and passengers. As for the color- OMG! Brown! The first problem people will have is that passengers will be flagging down family cars thinking that they are cabs! Cabs should have a standard and a bright color, which is easily identifiable from a distance and potential passengers, knows if it is empty or occupied. Malaysian taxis are destroying the country image. Worst still SPAD is contributing towards the problem. Issues related to service quality, cleanliness, usage of meter and driver attitudes is very common. We need to separate vehicle owners and drivers. Taxis must be own by corporation and the vehicle must be maintained 100% by the corporation and must be leased out on such package. The companies are duly responsible for the vehicle road-worthiness and safety including passing the necessary inspection. Taxi drivers should only pay for the gas and lease of the vehicles. They should abandon the current model where companies lease taxis at a plain daily rate and maintenance is the driver responsibilities is not working. It is time to change. Sometime I wonder why the government comes out with such shortsighted ideas and shoot themselves in the foot.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 12:26:51 +0000