Many not aware of metered taxis at KLIA

Taxi fares in KLIA chart.

KUALA LUMPUR: The next time you disembark at the KL Inter­national Airport, do not jump straight into an Airport Limo cab.

You can save almost half the fare by using a metered taxi.

Most travellers are unaware of this cheaper option and queue up to buy taxi coupons at the premium and budget taxi counters located just before the exit gates at the arrival hall.

For example, a passenger going to Jalan Klang Lama from KLIA has to fork out RM102 for a premium airport limo and RM74 for an airport limo budget taxi.

A metered taxi would cost only RM58 (see graphics).

Smarter choice: A passenger going to Jalan Klang Lama from KLIA has to pay RM102 for a premium airport limo. A metered taxi would only cost RM58.

The premium and budget taxi service is operated by Airport Limo (M) Sdn Bhd, the airport taxi operator.

Confusing signages in the airport also result in passengers paying premium rates for the limousine service, which is about double the rate of a metered taxi.

The metered taxi counter is not “visible” as it is located at a corner outside the arrival hall.

To board a metered taxi, travellers have to get to Level 1, which means taking a lift or escalator.

Jet-lagged tourists and tired travellers, besides being unaware of the metered taxi service, are also not inclined to lug their baggage to the floors below.

On Monday, StarMetro reported that Kuala Lumpur taxi drivers were facing hardship due to the slow economic climate and had called for an end to the territorial monopoly by taxi companies at KLIA and popular tourist areas like KLCC.

They said territorial control was bad as the unfair advantage often resulted in some cabbies overcharging.