TROUBLING TAXI SERVICES

       Public taxis have come under fire during the past few months with news of alleged assaults and harassment making newspaper headlines, the most recent being passengers using Suvarnabhumi Airport's taxi service complaining about how taxi drivers were attempting to drug them. 'Muse' asked you last week, as passengers, how you can ensure your safety while using the taxi service. How would you protect yourself and your belongings while taking a taxi?
       As a passenger, there are several factors that we should keep in mind to ensure our safety, especially since we are placing our lives in the hands of complete strangers. Here are your answers!
       Muse's PICK
       "
       First and foremost, when taking a taxi we must make a note of the vehicle's information and number plate, which should clearly be displayed on the dashboard or on the passenger's side door, as this will help to easily identify the cab company. Secondly, this will also be very helpful in cases where we forget our belongings; a quick phone call to the taxi company will save us all a whole lot of trouble. Thirdly, we should be more mindful and check to see if the ID information and photo displayed on the dashboard matches the taxi driver. If they don't, then it's better to call a different taxi. Fourthly, before getting into the taxi make sure the driver knows where your destination is, and also make sure that he/she is willing to take you. This will save passengers from paying more money than they should. Fifthly, during the ride make sure you are familiar with the route that the driver is taking you. You can simply ask the driver to take the route you want him/her to, and they should comply with your request. Lastly, upon reaching your destination, remember to take a quick glance back at your seat to double check that none of your things have slipped out from your pocket or purse, including your mobile phone, wallet or any other important belongings."
       NISHA GANDHI,
       Housewife
       "
       I always write down the driver's name and the taxi's number plate. If I take a taxi at night or if it's a really long ride I always send an SMS of the driver's ID and taxi information to my family members, friends and boyfriend.
       "This is my individual problem solving on the receiving end. But I think the authorities need to come up with a system to better screen applicants so that only quality drivers are given the job. It seems to me that anyone can become a taxi driver these days! Even ex-convicts can become a taxi driver as well as people coming from distant provinces despite the fact that they barely know the lie of the city and cannot understand or follow directions."
       PORNPAN BOONMARK, 26,
       Corporate employee
       "
       I protect myself by setting a curfew on when I can take a cab. I never take a taxi after 10pm. Never, ever! Once, I rode on a taxi at around 9pm and I made sure that my family and friends knew exactly where I was going and the driver's identity and taxi's license plate.
       "I wish the authorities would do more to protect passengers. In the case of Suvarnabhumi Airport, licensed taxis should be equipped with a GPRS device or any other mechanism that can trace the exact location of the vehicle while ascertaining whether passengers arrive at their destination safely or not."
       TAKSAPORN PATHANIBUL,
       Corporate employee
       Next week: With all the fuss about the giant pandas comes disgruntled voices from those committed to the welfare and conservation of our very own Thai elephants. News of troubled and injured elephants resurface alongside coverage on the developmental milestones of one baby panda. Mahouts are being targetted for bringing elephants into the city, but what alternatives do they have? 'Muse' asks you if the government should find ways to let the elephants and mahouts live with nature, and how? Send your answers along with your name, profession and contact information to muse@bangkokpost.co.th by August 26. A little prize awaits the person who gives us our favourite answer!