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Cab service

17 October 2004, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By Angela MV Robinson (Rev Mrs) On e-mail
17 October 2004, 18:00 PM
. PHOTO: STAR
Thank you for the article on the disappointments of the taxi service. However, I was surprised that it did not mention the regrettable fact that it is almost impossible to book a taxi for some time ahead and find one that is reliable enough to turn up. Some give a verbal promise to come, then do not come, or go to the wrong place and, instead of letting us know, just pick up the next fare. If we try to book a taxi for an important meeting or engagement, a day or so ahead, then this is usually impossible they just tell you to ring them just before you want them -- but what if you cannot risk not finding one? I am sure the number of private cars would drop like a stone if the taxi service REALLY worked!

When my school minibus is not available, trying to commute from Lalmatia to occasional functions in North Dhaka can be a nightmare. Some Gulshan taxis refuse to bring me back. Moreover, I now avoid visiting taxi ranks. I got tired of the humiliations I suffered when drivers crowded round, vying with one another, rudely, to see how much money they could make out of this lone bideshi. Nowadays, my excellent Garo maid sorts one out for me at the Sat Masjid taxi rank but it needs 'attitude'. They seem to spot timid, low-status types and refuse to come.

The absurd thing is that it has not yet dawned on some of these guys that there is far more money to be made by being trustworthy, polite and reliable than not! If I found ONE totally reliable local yellow taxi driver with a mobile that he did not switch off whom I could book ahead, I would weep with gratitude and pay him handsomely!

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It is so sad that the concept of SERVICE to the public has not really penetrated widely enough. Maybe it has to be taught, specifically, as part of the training before they are given their licenses. I could think of several jobs here that need such training, actually....

Maybe also, the taxi drivers need specific training in how to cope, firmly and effectively, with those passengers (of a type found in every country) who treat them appallingly.