Proton saga for taxi model??

Back in May this year Datuk Noh Omar (and his Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development) suggested that Proton develop a new vehicle designed to be used as a taxi similiar to the London Black Cab. The whole idea is that the Malaysian taxi system switch to this new standardized model rather than having multiple models like the Proton Saga, Proton Waja, Naza Citra, Renault Espace, Proton Perdana and even premium Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Cefiro taxis. According to Datuk Noh, this will help “standardize the image of taxis” in Malaysia.

Proton will be looking into the feasibility of the request and if possible, the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development will help “ensure take-up”. Ideally the taxi should also have a factory-fitted NGV system rather than with current taxis which have to retrofit the NGV system as an aftermarket addition to the car. In cars with smaller boots like the Iswara, the NGV tanks can take up a significant amount of boot space depending on the size of the NGV gas tank.

Firstly, the London Black Cab is only used in London. The rest of the UK, or rather the rest of the world uses conventional 4 door sedans or minivans as taxis. Do we really need Proton’s financial records to be plagued with yet another model that has a limited market?

Consumers purchase different types of cars for different needs, so taxis should use different models for different needs as well. A large and heavier taxi with lots of boot space and passenger room powered by a larger engine to move around with that extra capacity will be going around town wasting unnecessary petrol (or NGV) if it carries only one passenger on short trips most of the time.

A much better idea would be for Proton to offer a new taxi based on the new Proton Saga (sources inside Proton say one with a factory-fitted NGV system and a possible upgrade to a 1.6 liter engine is under development) for the purpose of short trips. Longer trips that require more passenger and luggage space can be serviced by larger models converted for taxi purposes like the Kia Rondo Taxi that we saw last year. It can be supplied by Naza Kia Sdn Bhd when it updates the Citra to the next generation Rondo. Just remove the option for the 3rd row of seats and use it for luggage.

On the matter of improving the images of taxis in Malaysia, the government can support this transition to the new models mentioned above by offering financial assistance and loans to taxi drivers for them to be able to afford the upgrade to a new generation of taxis easily. And while we’re at it, cut out the middlemen and give the taxi licenses to the people actually running the taxi services!

There is really no need to waste money and time on the R&D and production of a new specialised single taxi model that will serve nothing more than an ego boost to be able to say that we have our London Black Cab equivalent. It will be the case of the Eye on Malaysia emulating the London Eye all over again.

Its not easy being Taxi Driver in Johor Bahru

Sometimes the direct route is to take if you are unemployed is to rent a car and a taxi driver. After all, if you are willing to work hard, you may be able to make a decent profit every day. Of course, providing we are willing to put in 12 hour shifts consistently, even on weekends.

In Malaysia (and especially in Johor Bahru), things get a little more complicated. And we list down exactly why it is not easy, a taxi driver in Malaysia.

First, if you are to the use of the device, your smile, roll their eyes in disbelief or passengers. The MR costs $ 2 departure, set 13 years ago, not even enough to buy you a plate of chicken rice. The additional fee of 10sen/200m is equally incredulous. cheap cheap!

And if you punish the most natural thing, something to turn off the meter and flat rate is, you can, if they are caught. In a particularly irritating day, you have a passenger from Singapore who missed it clear in the English rule and said: "Uncle, how can you not turn on the meter? Not deceive us, you need the meter!"

Price aside, there are the nagging questions that makes things even more difficult for a taxi driver in Johor Bahru.

There are few taxis in Johor Bahru away. You are taking a pause passenger side of the road. Suddenly someone knocks on your window - The man in white. The traffic police, the force of law or fact or a wink to you. However, you can be sure that your whole day is gone.

On clear days (when there is no man-in-White), undercover officers of the Council of Johor Bahru Transport Board can also give your car and do a spot check on you. If you do not wear a white shirt with long sleeves, or when taxi is not very clean, you risk a fine. Or, you can ignore.

And if people do not legitimate for you, you might have a chance with this kind of lawlessness. Johor Bahru unenviable about a crime.

Human factors aside, there's even more irritating questions that add to the difficulty.

The Proton Saga drive hardly seems like a good place to work, especially when you look across the street and taxi drivers in Singapore are the 2000cc engine Hyundai Sonata, Skoda and Toyota Camry the same. You get a terrible cramp leg of the clutch and back pain poor suspension. The windows are not tinted, and your right arm is similar to a driver of the trailer.

It gets worse at night. With the exception of the main roads, the roads are not lit well and work hard you really distinguish between a passenger in a Pontianak.

Once in 10 years, notes Mr. PJB Johor Bahru City Council or a big project. For example, the new CIQ Johor Bahru Wong Ah Fook Jalan throws all into confusion. You're confused, fear and helplessness. For a few days, ask for no passengers in sight. The only consolation? You are not the only one affected.

After mentioning that some of the bad things, a taxi driver in Johor Bahru, there is something positive to report. Mm .. Parking is expensive!