In an attempt to revive the good old ‘black and yellow’ taxis on Mumbai streets, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis is planning to launch a brand new cab hailing app. The government made this announcement in response to a query raised by NCP’s opposition leader Dhananjay Munde during Question Hour at the Maharashtra state legislative council yesterday.
Knowing that local taxi owners are losing their occupation to private aggregators like Uber and Ola, Maharashtra transport minister Diwakar Raote has introduced the ‘City Taxi Service Control’ ordinance, taking in suggestions from 6,000 local commuters. Uber and Ola customers prefer private companies because they’re able to track their cab locations. This is why; the government will develop an e-platform for local operators that will provide similar services to daily travelers. This app is similar to Uber and Ola mobile applications. It’s an advantageous move from safety point of view as well, as it’ll help government track local taxi drivers.
Mumbai taxi operators have survived the ups and downs of the market due to low charges, cleanliness and hygiene inside taxis, entertaining local music and welcoming ways. Many of them have modified their taxis to provide all facilities to the customers. On the other hand, the city also has rowdy drivers that don’t wear proper khaki uniforms, have dirty taxis, are rude and blatantly refuse rides to cab customers.
They lack digital education and charge high random rates, which is why it’s hard to find buyers for their taxi. Educating them about the app and making them follow rules is a major concern for Maharashtra government. Though taxi unions will help them survive competition and the app will help them connect with the customers, they’ll have to reform their ways to establish their customer base. Maharashtra traffic police will train them in traffic rules to improve their standing.
Other than the app, the government is planning to install ACs in Mumbai taxis to get them at power with private aggregators. The government is hopeful this will help create stable source of income for local taxis.
Featured picture credit: Bloomberg, Quint
