For some time now, News on Sunday has received numerous complaints regarding this matter. Some would say that the obvious solution would be to not use taxis at all. But in a country where other options of transportation are limited after evening hours, do the public have any choice but to succumb to or are the high rates justifiable? News on Sunday investigates.
Port-Louis is a very crowded city, with a lot of traffic; rush hours are not only in the early morning and late evening as in Europe, but all over the day. To avoid this issue, many would agree that the best way to move in the capital city is by taxi.
However, in recent years many Mauritians have branded our taxi rides to any respective destination as something of money surrender.
One of the main reasons is that evening transportation for many members of the public today still remains a huge cause for concern. Whether one has just finished an evening job, a tuition class, a university lecture or simply making one’s way home after a night out, if you do not have your own means transport you a left with a huge problem. Faced with this dilemma many then opt for the taxi ride home.
Despite the comfortable and fast ride taxis provide to destinations, one does not need a degree in rocket science to witness the considerable increase in taxi rates over the years. Despite the obvious tax benefits provided by the government to these taxi owners, members of the public are claiming that high prices are still being charged to customers.
Avoid illegal taxis even if they are cheaper
Contacted by News on Sunday, Jalil Gopaul, a taxi driver for over 25 years has seen the evolution of taxis over time. He states that although it may seem that taxis are charging high fares for a ride, it is actually a fair amount that is being charged. He agrees that although the majority of taxi drivers are honest there are others that may be charging exorbitant fares.
“In the past, the National Transport Authority (NTA) had a specific tariff set which all taxi drivers had to abide by. However, due to the increasing number of vehicles, types of vehicles, types of energy consumptions amongst others, it became very difficult for the NTA to evaluate how much a taxi driver can really charge a customer for a journey. This is understandable, but if customer really feels that injustice is taking place, then the NTA should interfere and investigate,” he said.
“Customers are charged by a 2:1 ratio. Hence, if the costs incurred by the taxi driver to a respective destination is Rs 100, then you will automatically be charged Rs 200. This applies to all taxi drivers and many abide by this fair ratio. Many customers assume that a taxi has only the cost of fuel as his main expense. However, there are many other expenses, such as insurance, road tax, maintenance of the taxi, servicing, air conditioning, spare parts change, tyres, etc. All these can lead to high monthly cost for a taxi driver. Furthermore, Jalil Gopaul stated that although many people allege that illegal taxis (taxi marron) offer a better price, customers lose out in other ways.
“Illegal taxi drivers can afford to offer customers low prices. That is because they do not offer passenger insurance a legal taxi does. However, customers need to realise that by travelling in an illegal taxi they are willingly putting their safety at risk. If an accident occurs they will not be covered. However, in case of an accident, a legal taxi’s insurance will compensate passengers,” he stated.
“I have no choice but to get taxi home after university lectures”
Priya G from Chemin Grenier is a recent graduate student from the University of Mauritius. Her course lasted 3 years, but after obtaining her degree, graduating was not her greatest joy. Instead it was more a relief from the exorbitant taxi fares she had to pay during her study at the university.
“Since there is no public transportation at night, my only way to get home after late lectures was by taxi. I have a relative who lives close to the University and on some occasions I was able to spend the night there. However, it was not always possible. Hence, I had no choice but to fork out at least Rs 800 to Rs 1000 for my journey back home. I had a part time job and all the money I was earning was going towards travelling expenses from University to home. A friend who lived close to my locality would at times share the taxi fare of our journey home, but this depended on our respective university schedules.
I would at times be forced to pay the whole amount myself. On occasions I preferred to stay home because I dreaded the taxi fare. For those who have the means it may not pose such a difficulty. However, for those who are on tight budgets, it can be a very discouraging factor. I have friends of whom all encountered this dilemma. Surely, something needs to done by the authorities and those concerned. A possible solution would be to extend the operating hours of work for buses regardless of the route it covers. A reduction in taxi fares for students after hours where public transport is unavailable can also be a possible solution,” stated Priya G.
Are unlicensed taxis the answer to high taxi fares?
When authorities urge passengers to only take legal taxis, many in the capital do their best to oblige. Although legal taxis are generally more expensive, it is however, the safest and most preferable ride available in the country. Contacted by News on Sunday, Jay Kunal says he has no choice but to travel by taxi often because of his work.
He said that thpughat times he may feel that the price is a little too high, he prefers to have peace of mind. “Indeed journeys at times can be expensive. However, a few extra rupees for safety and security are always preferable. Many nowadays are opting for ‘Taxi Marons.’ Although the ride may be cheaper it is a very unpleasant journey. Taxis offer a quality service and they incur high cost maintaining their vehicles in good state for the customers,” he added.
Rafick Bahadoor: “Protect yourself by shopping around”
Contacted by News on Sunday, Rafick Bahadoor of the Taxi Proprietors Union (TPU) stated that most licensed taxi drivers are honest, hardworking people who are trying to earn a living. However, although very rare, there are a few dishonest drivers out there have developed some clever ways to part you from your cash. “It is very rare that you will encounter a taxi driver that will overcharge for a journey. The main cause behind this is nowadays taxi licenses are being given to amateurs who do not see it as a profession but more of a part-time and occasional job.
They are untrained and have no experience on what and how to charge a customer. They have no love for the job. We want to work to improve our reputation. Therefore, it is almost impossible for a professional and experience taxi driver to charge extra, because it will only be staining the profession. We have raised this issue along with other customer safety matters with the authorities, but they have failed to implement our recommendations. In order to protect the public, licences need be given to the right people,” he said.
Rafick Bahadoor also taught us certain tips on how a passenger can stay safe and protected high fares. He stated that research is the most important thing a passenger can do in order to stay protected from high fares and for security alike. “Whether you are going to some familiar place or further away, you have firstly to shop around for the approximate fares from different taxi drivers. It only takes a little bit of effort and after that you can make a proper choice from the information gathered. Furthermore, it is crucial a customer use only licensed taxis. Identify your taxi and driver. Make a note of the license plate number just in case a problem occurs or you lose something.”
ICP: Time to bring back the taxi meter
Yousouf Jhugroo of the Institute for Consumer Protection told News on Sunday that it is time the authorities reconsidered the introduction of a taxi meter to protect consumers, locals and tourists alike. “Taxi meters are operated worldwide, and if Mauritius wants to emulate modern cities, then we should adopt this as well.
I see no reason why we shouldn’t. There is a need for standard fares, irrespective of the taxi and the base of operation. Determining a taxi fare is no guess work. When we have Consumer Protection officers who enforce price legislations and see to it that all shops display exact prices of goods, when bus fares are regulated, then how is it that taxis are allowed to make their own laws?
Taxis are not the sole concern of the NTA and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure but also concern the Ministry of Consumer Protection.” He further stated that all those who are plying as ‘taxi marrons’ should be licensed as they are providing the service despite it being illegal. If there is a demand for it, it means supply needs to be adjusted. Our taxi service is not evolving with time either. When will we have central booking system? This will eliminate the need to have taxi stands, especially when space is an issue in cities. Today, with technological advances, taxis can be booked through SMS and drivers can operate from anywhere.”
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