4. Developing the Taxi Transformation Plan - SPAD

2.9) Taxi Stand and Telephone Bookings
Taxi stands are located across the region but there is no central database of information specifying
where stands are located, or their capacity and operational times. Coverage across GKL/KVs
inconsistent as stands provided in key locations such as major terminals, the main tourist locations
and major shopping centres they are operated in different ways which can cause some confusion
and reluctance amongst the drivers and public to use taxi stands. Many drivers do not operate from
taxi stands at all and simply circulate plying for hire on the street. Taxis Stands can be operated in
the following ways:
Voucher prepay system – fare is prepaid at a booth based on the stated destination and the
voucher presented to the driver who does not then use the meter. Typically vouchers are RM
2 to RM 4 more expensive than the metered fare and this surcharge pays for the
administration of the scheme and the marshals‟ who direct passengers to taxis. (For
example: KL Sentral)
Manned taxi stand – RM2 surcharge is paid in cash to the administrator on the taxi stand who
directs passengers to cabs. Taxi driver then operates the meter and the fare is payable as
usual. (Example: KLCC)
Unmanned or manned - taxi charged by the meter and no surcharge payable.(Example
outlying shopping centre ranks)
Informal taxi stands - queues of taxis on the road where no taxi stand appears to exist but
drivers believe there is a demand.
The operators of some taxi stands charge drivers to ply at particular stands. For example, it is
understood drivers must pay RM 100 per month in order to obtain a badge allowing them to ply for
hire at KL Sentral.
Although most passengers obtain their taxi by walking outside to a taxi stand or flagging a vehicle
in the street as it passes, taxis may also be booked by telephone. There are a number of telephone
operations across GKL/KV. However it is understood from public comments that telephone booking
is perceived to be unreliable and so not the preferred method of hire. The majority of the taxi
fleet do not operate with radio circuits and are therefore unable to be dispatched to a telephone
booking easily. There is an initiative among 17 taxi operators to equip their fleet with radios in the
GKL/KV region.
Although operators take telephone bookings they estimate the percentage of calls not met is up to
60%. Anecdotally it is understood drivers will not accept bookings unless they are in the immediate
area or they would be out of pocket travelling to the fare – even allowing for the RM3 surcharge.
2.10) Current Taxi Operating Costs and Revenues
A review of taxi operating costs has been carried out for the LPTMP. Operating costs will vary from
driver to driver and vehicle to vehicle depending on their driving style, how the taxi is operated
and how it is maintained. This review relates to an average case. The variable and fixed costs
associated with either purchasing a vehicle over a five year period or leasing a vehicle from a
company operator have been established along with the estimated maintenance costs associated
with carrying out the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule. The costs allow for
labour, parts and insurance. Based on feedback from taxi operators relating to daily kilometres
travelled an estimated cost of fuel has also been established. Together the figures set out average
monthly outgoings. The figures exclude extra optional outgoings such as the payment of fees to ply
at particular locations such as KL Sentral.
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