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Hi-Tech Taxi in Mumbai City

Come September and you will something distinct in the means of transport for the Mumbaikars and rest. The long history of "Black & Yellow" taxis will fade away slowly, as these will be replaced with modern distinguished looking taxis with technological infrastructure and plush interiors. The project will be implemented in phases starting September.

“The Mumbai Taxi Company Pvt. Ltd.” already has 60 permits for these taxis and the demo cabs are ready. The project named “Fleet Taxi Scheme 2006” will have white Maruti Esteems that will be converted to be used as taxis. Some key highlights of this new-age (atleast for Mumbai or India for that matter) cab are:

  • Air conditioning
  • Cushioned Seats
  • Electronic meters
  • Bill printing facility (with fare, time traveled, distance traveled details)
  • Debit/Credit card swapper (to pay your bills)
  • Mobile display unit in English & Hindi (for traffic related information)
  • Support systems using GPS (to track traffic & alert about the traffic jams on the way)
  • Professionally trained drivers for communication skills, courtesy skills etc.

I would avoid getting into the operational details and the legal issues involved. The drive would certainly offer comfortable traveling pleasure to the passengers and good driving experience for the drivers. Atleast there won’t be fights or arguments over wrong meter readings, fast meters etc.

The drivers too have welcomed this move as they get some benefits over the conventional tax driving.

  • Life, medical, and accident insurance (for the driver and his family)
  • 8 hour shift duty
  • Pension on retirement

Good things on roll for the city of dreams. Let us all hope that the “Fleet Taxi Scheme 2006” drive is soon put to action and expands to all parts of the city.

Let us not just get subdued with the negativities of the blasts, rains, floods (though not neglecting them completely), there are initiatives that are being taken to make this city a better place to live in.

Salaam Mumbai!

Information source courtesy – Hindustan Times, Mumbai edition

Comments

Anonymous said…
Hey that great news, any update on the cost of transportation in an Esteem? By the way, Thanks for the info and i like your blog, being a mumbaikar..

keep it pouring..

Regards,

Ben
14 August, 2006
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