New Delhi:
Commuters in the city will now have the option of travelling in taxis with almost the same fare as that of autorickshaws.
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today flagged off the first batch of low-fare radio taxis-- with GPS device as well a panic button that a commuter can press in case of any difficulty to seek help-- which will charge a flat fare of Rs 10 per kilometre.
The first batch of taxis, to be run by private operator, comprises 25 Maruti Alto vehicles which will be in operation from tomorrow.
Soon the fleet size of the non-airconditioned service will be increased to 100, transport department officials said.
While the air conditioned radio taxis charge Rs 20 per kilometre, the black and white taxis charge Rs 20 for the first kilometre travelled and Rs 11 for every subsequent kilometre.
The introduction of low-fare radio taxi is part of government's effort to provide a much safer alternative to autorickshaws in the wake of evergrowing complaints accusing auto drivers of fleecing commuters.
The autorickshaws charge Rs 19 for first two kilometres and Rs 6.50 for each subsequent kilometre.
"This is part of our consistent effort to improve quality of transportation in the city," said Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely.
All the low-cost taxis have a panic button and a commuter can press it in case of any difficulty including misbehaviour by the driver.
The call centre of the service would immediately track the vehicle and take effective measures including informing police about it, said an official.
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today flagged off the first batch of low-fare radio taxis-- with GPS device as well a panic button that a commuter can press in case of any difficulty to seek help-- which will charge a flat fare of Rs 10 per kilometre.
The first batch of taxis, to be run by private operator, comprises 25 Maruti Alto vehicles which will be in operation from tomorrow.
Soon the fleet size of the non-airconditioned service will be increased to 100, transport department officials said.
While the air conditioned radio taxis charge Rs 20 per kilometre, the black and white taxis charge Rs 20 for the first kilometre travelled and Rs 11 for every subsequent kilometre.
The introduction of low-fare radio taxi is part of government's effort to provide a much safer alternative to autorickshaws in the wake of evergrowing complaints accusing auto drivers of fleecing commuters.
The autorickshaws charge Rs 19 for first two kilometres and Rs 6.50 for each subsequent kilometre.
"This is part of our consistent effort to improve quality of transportation in the city," said Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely.
All the low-cost taxis have a panic button and a commuter can press it in case of any difficulty including misbehaviour by the driver.
The call centre of the service would immediately track the vehicle and take effective measures including informing police about it, said an official.
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