KUALA LUMPUR: The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has confirmed the Toyota Innova as the second MPV model fit for TEKSI 1Malaysia duty.
The unveiling of the taxi model would be done this Tuesday after much speculation in the industry since May.
SPAD’s initial decree two years ago that only the Proton Exora was good enough to be used for TEKS1M, was greeted with protests from many quarters, with some claiming that the move was anti-competition even if the intention was to ensure passengers’ safety and comfort.
The Innova sold in Malaysia is a two-litre model.
The TEKS1M fleet is intended for the streets of Klang Valley, Johor Baru and Penang.
On July 3, SPAD chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said the Commission had reviewed its decision on insisting that only the Exora be used for TEKS1M.
“We are now open to other vehicles, provided they are Malaysian-made,” he said.
The Government is keen to see more than 1,500 TEKS1M on the road by year end as part of its initiative to improve taxi services.
A vehicle which is intended for TEKS1M must provide more space for baggage and passengers, dedicated air-conditioning vents for passengers, leather seats, credit card readers for cashless transaction, factory-fitted natural gas tanks, GPS-based dispatch system as well as safety features such as passenger airbags.
A SPAD source has confirmed that the Innova taxis would sport the same golden brown paint scheme as the Exora TEKS1M.
