Taxi fares are higher than my salary

Beginning April. 1, the Jakarta administration has allowed taxi operators to raise their fares by as high as 38 percent for the waiting fee, despite the fact that their services are often below par. The Jakarta Post interviewed residents here on their comments on the increase, which came more than one month after the central government raised fuel prices by an average of 29 percent.

Supi Ghansam, 35, is an expatriate, who works as an English teacher at the British Institute. She lives in Permata Hijau, South Jakarta.

After the fuel hike, I jumped into cabs that charged by the book. But the drivers always said I had to pay a minimum of Rp 15,000 because of the fuel hike. They were not the dodgy cabs either.

Raising taxi fares is fair because of the fuel price hike, but it is bad for us because we are not getting more. I would expect better service and cleaner taxis, as safety has never been an issue for me -- from my experience as a regular taxi user.

However, I don't like the fact that we must pay a minimum of Rp 20,000 to order a cab and I heard that they are looking to increase the minimum order payment.

Sita Purba, 45, is a businesswoman and founder of the Bintang Kecil foundation, a non-profit Autism center. She lives in Ciputat, South Jakarta.

I don't like it because my salary has not increased. The fares went up a couple of days ago, and I don't think that should have happened because I earn the same amount of money.

I am angry -- very angry. I expect better service. It really annoys me when taxi drivers refuse to take me, if the distance is near.

For example, if I want to go to Lebak Bulus from Citos (Cilandak Town Square), my chances of getting a taxi are slim as it is too close.

--The Jakarta Post