Few calls on helpline,action on fewer drivers

The governments drive against stubborn and rude taxi and autorickshaw drivers has got off to a slow start; after getting 1,474 complaints on its toll-free helpline..

The governments drive against stubborn and rude taxi and autorickshaw drivers has got off to a slow start; after getting 1,474 complaints on its toll-free helpline,the Regional Transport Offices have suspended only 21 licences and plans to suspend 110 permits. Its a positive start,officials said,but admitted the action taken so far is on a relatively small scale.

State transport commissioner Dilip Jadhav around 50 per cent of the complaints have been about drivers refusing to travel short distances. Some have complained of overcharging,and others of rudeness. The West Region (Andheri) RTO has received 719 complaints,the East Region (Wadala) one 510 and the Central Region (Tardeo) one 244.

We have suspended 21 licences and 110 permits would soon be suspended. Fines amounting to Rs 5400 have been recovered from drivers, said Jadhav. A suspension can range from a week to six months,depending on the offence.

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Chief Minister Ashok Chavan had inaugurated the helpline,1800 220 110,on June 25. But it has not yet caught on,possibly because it hasnt been advertised well enough. Also,commuters are not always able to connect,especially when calling from a mobile phone. Also,it is difficult to trace the taxi or auto driver as most of them do not give their correct address, an RTO official said.

We have a dedicated squad to trace and deal with drivers. Once a complaint is registered,it is mandatory to trace the driver in 15 days. We are opening new lines and plan to have an automatic system soon. This will solve the problem of commuters who are not able to contact us on the helpline, Jadhav said.

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