Hope you enjoy the ride

Taking a taxi in Malaysia is a game of chance. If it’s not your day, you could end up in one whose driver habitually smokes in his vehicle.

The odour of stale tobacco in a confined space can be overpowering. During rush hour, you may just have to bear with the pong or end up waiting for hours for another cab.

If you opt to hold your breath and brave the ride, you get to take home a whiff of that niff.

Less unpleasant is the driver who likes to air his views on everything from the perceived incompetence of the incumbent government to the love life of an unknown Hong Kong actress.

He knows exactly what the prime minister should do to right the wrongs that have been visited upon this country.

Mostly, the ideas he spews are rather silly at best, or racist at worst, and his passenger could do better with some time for quiet reflection after a difficult day at the office.

Granted, the condition of the vehicle is a big factor in determining ride comfort and safety, as many have pointed out in response to the decision to extend the usability of a vehicle such as a taxi to 15 years.

The transport ministry is hoping that the commuter will have an easier time with more cabs on the road.

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It is unclear how jalopies can be any good in ferrying people around.

Apart from the age and condition of the vehicle, driver behaviour plays an equally big part in ensuring that you not only get a pleasant ride but arrive home safe and sound.

Malaysian taxi drivers are certainly not known for excellent behaviour. Just ask the many foreigners who have visited the country.

For many locals too, the fact that Malaysian cabbies have been voted the worst in the world by frequent travellers says a lot about the person behind the wheel.

But short of a more efficient public transport system, the taxi is still the most viable option — even if they have already spent up to 15 years plying the route.

In fact, an association representing taxi drivers had estimated last year that the demand for taxi service would rise 18% this year, thanks to the exorbitant fares on e-hailing rides, especially during peak hours.

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The cabbies were asking for the government to give them the nod to raise fares. For the passenger, it’s like paying more for the same level of abuse.

In comparison, ride-hailing drivers are more pleasant. Of course there are some bad apples too.

Pity those who depend largely on public transport to commute to work every day. Crowded buses, trains that break down, stinking taxis … what else could go wrong?  - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.