'I always pray before getting into a taxi'

'I always pray before getting into a taxi'

A woman reported to the police last week that she had been robbed
by three men inside a taxi owned by a reputable taxi company. The
news has renewed concerns over safety for taxi passengers. The
Jakarta Post asked residents what precautions they took when
taking a taxi.

Lia, 30, is an employee of a property consulting firm in
Central Jakarta. She lives with her husband in Ciputat, South
Jakarta. She takes a taxi almost every day to and from her
office:

Frankly, I'm afraid that one of these days it will be my turn
to be robbed. That's why I'm very careful in choosing a taxi. I'd
never pick taxi company I'm not familiar with even when I'm in a
hurry.

I also try to catch a taxi with a friend. Luckily, I have
several friends who go the same direction as I do. So I usually
share a cab with two or three of them and we split the fare.
Beside being safer, it also works out cheaper for each of us.

However, if it's late I order a taxi to pick me up, believing
the company will send the best taxi it has.

Santi Maya, 25, is an employee at a public relations company
in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. She lives with her family in
Karawaci, Tangerang:

I take a taxi when I work late. I haven't had any problems
since I always order a cab by phone. I think an ordered taxi can
be trusted. The taxi usually comes not long after I order it.

Personally, I'm not that bothered by the recent robberies. I
don't think there is any need to worry about my safety if I take
precautionary measures by taking a brief but careful check of the
taxi's interior before getting into the taxi. It's easy to
confirm the driver's identity in a taxi belonging to a reputable
company.

Of course, I always pray for my safety before getting into a
taxi. It makes me feel safe.

Lanny Pohan, 36, lives in East Jakarta and works in the
marketing division of an insurance company. She often takes a
taxi from work or other places in her daily activities:

I only take taxis from three taxi companies that have a good
reputation. I might take other taxis when accompanied by friends.

When I get into a cab, I always check the driver's
identification and lock the doors right away.

I never feel scared taking a taxi even if I'm alone.

-- The Jakarta Post