Many people in HCM City are complaining about difficulties in calling taxi services over the past few days.
Many people in HCM City are complaining about difficulties in calling taxi services over the past few days. Illustrative photo
Lam Thanh Duy in Thu Duc City said that he couldn't book a taxi on the morning of February 14.
"I tried several times but failed to find any drivers," he said. "I finally had to take a motorbike taxi.Duy said that he was very surprised at the shortage of taxis because the peak time of the Lunar New Year Holiday had passed.
"Three days ago I had to wait for 15 minutes to get the taxi," he said.
Another resident, Nguyen Hoai Thanh, in Phu Nhuan District also complained that it took him more than 20 minutes to book a driver on the app and an additional 10 minutes for the driver to arrive at his place on the evening of February 13.
"I was a bit annoyed," Thanh said. "Some of my relatives and friends have also said that they have difficulties in calling taxis on the streets, hotlines or apps. I want local taxi companies to explain why there’s a problem."
A Grab driver, Le Van Chung, said that the recent sharp rise in petrol prices had greatly affected driver incomes.
"We really don't want to accept short distance rides," he said. "The petrol hike has discouraged us from working. Many drivers have returned to their hometowns for the Lunar New Year holiday and have not come back to work yet."
Vinasun Taxi Company said that they were operating up to 70 percent of their vehicles at present due to the lack of drivers.
Chung said that the situation may last for some more time.
Representatives from Be and Gojek, also admitted that the shortage of drivers had resulted in their slow service around the Lunar New Year holiday until now. The companies advise passengers to select multiple options including car and motorbikes in order to be served quicker.
