'Teach bad taxi drivers a lesson'

Starting today, the Jakarta administration has allowed taxi operators to raise their fares in accordance with the quality of their services as long as the increase is below the 36 percent ceiling. The Jakarta Post asked residents their opinion on the issue.

Uki Butarbutar, 29, is a member of a non-governmental organization fighting corruption. He lives on Jl. Matraman, Central Jakarta:

I observe that some taxi operators provide good service, while many others do not. There is no market standard.

Even though the Jakarta administration has already allowed taxi operators to increase fares in accordance with the quality of their services, we cannot expect them to improve their services because the increase is only an adjustment to the fuel price hike.

I think most Jakartans already know which taxi companies offer good services and which do not.

But I still hope that all operators will improve their standards. Passengers must feel comfortable and safe.

Dewi Angraini, 38, is an English teacher. She lives in Serpong district, Tangerang:

I only take certain taxis. I prefer to wait a little bit longer than take a taxi notorious for its low credibility because I have bad experiences.

I was once asked to pay more than what was shown on the meter and thrown out by drivers who refuse to go short distances, while other taxi drivers do not keep the air-conditioning in working order.

Since I pay a lot for taxis, compared to buses or public minivans, of course I expect better service.

I can't understand why I should take taxis which offer poor services. I advise you not to ... we should teach unscrupulous taxi drivers a lesson.

--The Jakarta Post