How-to: Save Money On Taxis

As if having to fork out an additional 6% for the newly implemented Goods and Services Tax (GST) is not enough, taxi commuters in the Klang Valley will now have to fork out more to get around the city.

This came after the Government announced an increase in taxi fare rates in late March.

The new taxi fare structure, which saw up to 40% increments, has created much havoc and resentment among urban-dwellers, especially those who rely on taxi services as their primary mode of transport.

Differences between the old and new rates for budget taxi services:

Meanwhile, Teks1m cabs, identifiable by its brown Proton Exora make, will see an increase in flag-down rates to RM4, and with 30 sens to be charged for every 200m.

If you are a regular taxi commuter, here is how much you now have to pay on average:

Taken from The Star

Given the price hikes, many people will start seeking alternatives to the normal process of their daily commute. Here are some simple and effective alternatives you can take to save the environment and your travel budget:

1.  Walk

We don’t mean to state the obvious, but walking really is the easiest and cheapest way to get around. For one, it is free and beyond that, making your trip on foot also comes with added health benefits.

Health experts recommend walking 10,000 steps (or five miles) a day for optimum health. Currently, it is estimated that a sedentary person only covers an average of 1,000 to 3,000 steps in a day. For these people, adding some extra steps to their daily routine can boost their cardiovascular health.

Regular exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilise mood, and improve sleep and self-esteem.

Considering that Malaysians are the fattest nation in South East Asia, many of us can use a little more exercise. The result would be healthier, thinner and all-round happier people.

However, with the crime rate in Malaysia not showing sign of abating, we will have to be wary if we decide to take up this option.

We don’t expect you to walk 10km to your destination everyday, but if you commit yourself to walking a little further, other public transportation options like trains and buses will open up to you.

2. Cycle

Like walking, cycling is a cheap, easy and environmentally-friendly way to get around. Besides the cardiovascular benefits, cycling regularly has been known to give you sculpted legs and a solid behind.

Cycling gives you a lot more range than walking (even you’d be surprised at how much distance you can cover with a bike). However, you need your destination to be within your cycling range as transitioning to buses or trains isn’t very easy.

The good news is, about 10km of cycling lanes are currently underway in the city of Kuala Lumpur, and are expected to be completed by the middle of this year.

Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib said the move to create cycling lanes in the city was to ensure that bicycles become a sustainable alternative mode of transport for urban commuters.

However, if you do not currently own a bicycle, you will first have to fork out at least RM200 for the most basic of bicycle models.

3. Take a bus

 

Despite initial talks to increase bus fares, the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has thankfully decided to retain the current rates.

Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd is the largest bus operator in Malaysia. It focuses on city centres in the Klang Valley, Penang and Kuantan. Rates for MyRapid KL buses are as follows:

However, while buses are a much cheaper alternative, they come at a price of convenience – that is, they have a reputation of not being on time, so you might want to schedule your journey ahead when you take a bus and definitely have a back up route in mind.

4. Ride with Uber

 

Uber, a private car for hire service, has long lauded itself for being the city’s safer and more reliable alternatives to taxis. That’s not all, taking a ride in its UberX edition now costs less than half the price of a budget taxi.

However, while Uber services have received many positive user reviews for its safety and efficiency, the private car for hire service provider has recently come under fire when one of its drivers allegedly sent an inappropriate text message to a local actress.

With the perennially rising cost of living, coupled with the newly implemented Goods and Services Tax (GST), many Malaysians will struggle to save even a few Ringgit. Some ways to stretch your money further include getting a proper financial planner and getting a credit card that lets you save as you spend.

With GST implemented, it will take a lot more effort to save money. Find out what will be taxed GST here.