Taxi service

Like some previous correspondents, I, too, have to rely heavily on taxis in order to get around Jakarta.

Incidents, which seem to be recently occurring, are worth noting.

Firstly, certain taxis are refusing to carry passengers who wish to travel shorter distances; according to the drivers' reckoning anyway.

Seemingly the meter is often switched-off and bargaining the order of the day to make any further progress -- always to the driver's advantage of course.

A lack of courtesy seems to be getting more and more evident too, particularly when a gratuity is considered to be below expectations.

Taxis are on the road as a business service to the public who pay for this on a "tariff basis" (meter). To adhere to this non- use of the meter is surely fraudulent behavior and the offending drivers must be reported immediately to their respective companies where, hopefully, they will be reprimanded.

I realize that drivers have to meet their quotas during shifts, but the public must not be punished for this and companies should take stronger action.

Finally, on a pleasant note, I had the delightful experience of being driven by a young lady taxi-driver several weeks ago. Her courtesy and pleasantness were factors which could be emulated by others so it can be a relaxing experience to be taxi- driven in and around the city.

JOHN R. KERR

Jakarta