Non-AC cabs on city roads soon

After the AC cab operators in Chandigarh refused to lower their fares,the Home Secretary today claimed that approval for the proposal of non-AC cabs sent by the State Transport Authority...

After the AC cab operators in Chandigarh refused to lower their fares,the Home Secretary today claimed that approval for the proposal of non-AC cabs sent by the State Transport Authority (STA) is likely to be given soon. At least four agencies have approached the STA to run non-AC cabs,out of which agreement has already been signed with one.

Despite STAs request to cut fares from the existing Rs 15 per kilometre,the AC cab operators refused. The STA then decided to go ahead with the parallel system of affordable non-AC cabs,which will come at Rs 8 per kilometre.

We have received the proposal to run non-AC cabs in the city by the STA and the approval is likely to be given by our department soon. Not only have four prospective taxi operators applied,an agreement with one has already been signed. The rates are,however,yet to be notified, said UT Home Secretary Ram Niwas.

The agency with whom the agreement has been signed plans to start with 50 non-AC cabs in the initial stage,he added.

Niwas said the entire aim behind the services was to provide cheaper and affordable transport system to the residents.

Niwas added the services would create a healthy competition among the AC and the non-AC cab operators.

Sources,meanwhile,said though the Administration had given the option to use CNG,LPG or battery-operated vehicles for the services,all four applicants have opted to run the cabs on diesel.

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