Safety tips for taking a taxi
With reference to a letter entitled 'Mugging in a taxi' which appeared in The Jakarta Post last Saturday, I would like to suggest some safety tips which are useful to observe when traveling by taxi, based on my experience of providing transportation services.
The safest way to catch a taxi is to order one by phone. Shop around to see which companies provide a better service. When you order by phone you choose the taxi firm and the order is monitored by the company so any problems can be reported.
If you hail a taxi on the street, try to make sure it is from a well-known and reliable taxi company. Don't base your judgment on the color of the taxi. There are, for example, eight or more companies who use blue colored cars. Look carefully at the crown light and the company name on the side of the vehicle.
Note the taxi code number, which should be displayed clearly on the dashboard along with the driver's name, ID and photograph.
If the taxi driver claims his meter is broken, or if he refuses to use the meter and instead tries to bargain with you, get out of the taxi.
Make sure the driver agrees to take you to your destination. Drivers don't like to go into congested area like Kota or take routes notorious for traffic jams like through Bintaro and Ciputat.
Professional taxi company drivers should be well-mannered, have short hair, and be wearing a uniform and shoes.
Be especially cautious if taking a taxi from a queue such as at the airport, Gambir station, or a bus terminal. Usually taxis picking up fares from a queue try to bargain for a rate and refuse to go short distances. Insist on using the meter and if the driver refuses, choose another taxi. If you bargain with the driver you may end up paying two or three times the metered rate.
At the airport, people are supposed to take the first taxi in the queue, so it may not be possible to select a taxi of your choice. Again beware, many taxi drivers will refuse to use the meter and invent other charges. If you feel apprehensive, use another form of transportation. Never accept the help of "brokers" who approach you offering transport.
Remember, when taking a taxi it is safer "to judge a book by its cover".
NONI PURNOMO
Jakarta