Taxi service in Batam poor

Taxi service in Batam poor

BATAM, Riau: Foreign tourists called on the Batam authorities
to raid taxies operating illegally and to repair the local
transportation system to help promote tourism on the tax-free
island.

G. Preira, a Singaporean tourist, said many foreign tourists
complained about the poor transportation system and the poor
local taxi service.

"Taxi drivers have arbitrarily imposed their own fares on
tourists because taxies operating on the island are not equipped
with meters," he said.

Preira who came to Batam along with his two American friends
said they were very disappointed with a taxi driver who had
charged them S$200 (Rp 1.1 million) for a 25-km journey between
Nongsa and Nagoya, two tourist resorts on the island.

"We have lodged a complaint with the local police but no
action had since been taken against the taxi driver," he said.

He said Singaporean tourists would be reluctant to visit the
island unless local authorities repair the transportation system
and raid all illegal taxies.

Around 3,000 foreign tourists from neighboring countries such
as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand visit the island weekly.
-- Antara