Taxi drivers have voiced strong opposition to the government’s control over taxi fares, criticizing the Transport Ministry for setting prices without consulting them.
The Transport Ministry recently fixed fares for taxis, including a 40 percent reduction in fares for seven-seat vehicles, much to the displeasure of the drivers. The drivers complained that they were assured the current prices would remain until the meters were fixed, yet the reduction was announced without their knowledge.
Taxi drivers further alleged that the government is interfering in the taxi service by imposing restrictions on airport travel through actions by MACL employees and the police. They stated that they never faced issues in the airport taxi queue until MACL and the police began controlling it.
Drivers noted that the efficiency of the queue has deteriorated, with a queue of 100 people now taking 100 minutes to clear, and fares have dropped below those offered by ride-hailing apps. They expressed their frustrations at a press conference, stating that the Ministry of Transport has set special fares for larger vehicles that can carry more than six passengers, while also arranging for smaller vehicles to charge extra for trips to the airport's domestic terminal and for luggage.
In their statement, the taxi drivers emphasized their belief that the government should not set taxi prices without having control over the fares, arguing that such unilateral decisions are unfair and detrimental to their livelihood.
The Transport Ministry recently fixed fares for taxis, including a 40 percent reduction in fares for seven-seat vehicles, much to the displeasure of the drivers. The drivers complained that they were assured the current prices would remain until the meters were fixed, yet the reduction was announced without their knowledge.
Taxi drivers further alleged that the government is interfering in the taxi service by imposing restrictions on airport travel through actions by MACL employees and the police. They stated that they never faced issues in the airport taxi queue until MACL and the police began controlling it.
Drivers noted that the efficiency of the queue has deteriorated, with a queue of 100 people now taking 100 minutes to clear, and fares have dropped below those offered by ride-hailing apps. They expressed their frustrations at a press conference, stating that the Ministry of Transport has set special fares for larger vehicles that can carry more than six passengers, while also arranging for smaller vehicles to charge extra for trips to the airport's domestic terminal and for luggage.
In their statement, the taxi drivers emphasized their belief that the government should not set taxi prices without having control over the fares, arguing that such unilateral decisions are unfair and detrimental to their livelihood.
