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