Taxi drivers plight

Taxi drivers plight

I am commenting on a Sunday piece written by Krabbe K. Piting
titled Rude, ignorant taxi drivers who never have change.

While I have my share of conflicts with taxi drivers, I
understand why they sometimes act unscrupulously and Piting may
have some sympathy for them if only she were aware of the
pressure under which they work.

Here are some things that Piting may not know about Jakarta
taxi drivers' working conditions.

Most taxi drivers have to work at least 18 hours a day to meet
the daily target set by their companies. Sometimes they have to
come home empty-handed because they cannot achieve the target.

Increased fares mean higher targets, so it does not help them
at all. Because of Jakarta's notorious traffic congestion, taxi
drivers often get stuck for hours in traffic jams during rush
hours and the meter runs at a very slow rate when the car moves
at a snail's pace.

Taxi drivers have to pay for any damage to their vehicles and
their income is not enough to pay for the damage and therefore,
they incur a debt with the company.

I wish somebody would care about their plight and do something
about it.

PATHONI, Jakarta