'I keep alert in taxis all the time'

'I keep alert in taxis all the time'

A woman was robbed last week by three people who entered the taxi
she was in, with the connivance of the uniformed taxi driver. The
taxi, she said, was from a company of high repute. The Jakarta
Post asked residents how they ensured their safety while in
taxis.

Tiffany Saerang, 28, is an entertainment industry employee
living in North Jakarta:

I usually take a taxi with a well-recognized company identity.
As soon as I get inside, most of the time, the driver will lock
the doors for security purposes. However, I often unlock it
manually for couple seconds, just to make sure that the lock
cannot be controlled from the driver side. It means, in case of
an emergency, I can open the door anytime by myself.

After that, I send an SMS to my boyfriend with all information
about the taxi such as its door number, driver's name and the
company's name.

While I'm in the taxi, I never fall asleep but rather make
conversation with the driver until I arrive. The first question I
frequently ask is: where is your depot?

Fransiska Yossie, 29, is a mother who works at a securities
company in South Jakarta:

I avoid riding in taxis alone at night. And when I stop a taxi
it must be from a credible company, which provides good service.

When I sit inside, I make sure that no one is hiding
underneath the front seat.

And I keep alert all the time, especially when the driver
offers alternative routes, which may be different from what I
tell him to reach my destination. In this case, I will unlock my
door.

A friend of mine suggest that I not hesitate to ask the driver
whether or not the taxi is secured, but I think that's a bit
extreme.

-- The Jakarta Post