Base fare now Rs 16 but very few taxis on road

Principal secretary (Transport and Excise) C S Sangitrao said the decision was taken on the recommendations of the Hakim Committee. “The formula for the revised tariff was based on four criteria: capital cost,price index,insurance and taxes and fuel cost.” The rates will be applicable as soon as the Transport Commissioner’s office prepares the new tariff cards,latest by June 27.

On Wednesday morning,taxis remained scarce on the roads though there was no formal call for a strike. “We had not called any strike. So there is no question of taxis not plying,” said Deepak Sawant,president of the Mumbai Auto Rickshaw Taxi Chalak-Malak Sena.

“There were stone pelting incidents. Some 10 taxis are believed to have been damaged. This created fear among drivers and most stayed off the roads,” said Prem Singh,president of Bombay Taxi Association. “We have urged cabbies to drive without fear,” said A L Quadros,general secretary of the Mumbai Taximen’s Union.

On Tuesday,autorickshaws had stopped plying over a dispute with the Swabhimaan Taxi-Rickshaw Union.

The transport department will launch a dedicated helpline on Thursday for citizens to complain against taxi and autorickshaw drivers refusing to ply,charging high rates and rude behaviour. “Complaints will be addressed in one week. Citizens will get replies on action taken,” said Dilip Jadhav,transport commissioner.