Mumbai:
From today, the Mumbai commuter will pay more for his cab ride. The minimum fare has gone up to Rs 19 from the previous Rs 17. This increase is designed to cause a substantial dent in pockets as on an average a cab ride for which you pay Rs 30 approximately might see you shelling out Rs 37 now.
As the new fares add to the flurry of worries of commuters, A L Quadros, he of the magnificent moustache and general secretary of the Mumbai Taximen's Union defends the cabbies and says that the commuter and cabbie have little choice but to reduce friction, clear misunderstandings and co-exist peacefully.
An interview:How many cabs are there in Mumbai at present?We have 42,000 black 'n' yellow cabs plying in the city, presently. These include about 3,500 Cool Cabs.
How do these numbers compare with the past?Not favourably. Cabs have reduced drastically. In 1997, we had 62,300 cabs plying in Mumbai, today, like I said, we have nearly 20,000 less. There are a number of reasons for this like the High Court order for conversion to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines. Many cabbies could not do this within the deadline.
There was also the order to replace taxis older than 25 years and several Premier Padminis that were phased out. Many cabbies could not do this within the deadline and their permits were cancelled. Several cabbies also sold their permits (I think about 4,000 permits were sold) to fleet cabs (private players). Now we have 25,000 new cabs and about 15,000 old ones. They can operate till they complete 25 years.
From today, commuters will pay more as minimum fare?Yes, commuters are going to pay Rs 19 as compared to Rs 17 for minimum fare. Very roughly, if they pay Rs 30 for a cab ride presently, they will pay Rs 37 approximately from today.
The meters are still old and when will they show the new fares?The RTO has given us upto 45 days to recalibrate the meters. However, this is a very short period within which we have to do so, because there are also several public holidays within the stipulated time. So, we are going to ask for an extension of this time given for re-calibration.
There is going to be a lot of confusion. Cabs have not even re-calibrated their meters to show the Rs 17 minimum fare. They charge the passenger what they want...The last fare hike came in March 13, 2012, where the minimum fare went up from Rs 16 to Rs 17. But, this was considered outdated and a new committee was formed in April this year. Most cabbies knew that they would once again have to re-calibrate their meters a few months hence.
How does the commuter pay from today? Are new fare cards been given to the cabbies?Yes, they are being distributed and most cabbies should have the new cards. Passengers must pay by the new fare card.
Are you aware that several cabbies have been fooling commuters since the past two-three days saying that the Rs 19 hike has come into effect and they must pay by that rate?They are not allowed to do that. Commuters have to insist on seeing the fare card and then pay. They are not allowed to charge more, before the hike comes into effect.
Earlier, the Mumbai cabbie had a great reputation, better than other cities in the country. Today, most commuters complain that cabbies refuse to ply on so many occasions. They pretend they are repairing their vehicles or simply say no, when asked...I would say that Mumbai cabbies are still great, even compared to other cabbies in the world, not just India. A majority of cabbies live in the far-flung suburbs. In the evening, when a driver has to return home, a passenger might ask him to go to Colaba. How can he then return from the tip of South Mumbai back to his home? That may be the reason he says no. We (as the Union) had also recommended something like 'transit points'' for cabbies. These are useful during evening peak hours. A cabbie can drop his passenger at this point after which he can take another vehicle to his destination. These have not come into effect. The authorities also have to realise that bus drivers, train drivers have rules and regulations. They have a proper rest period after a certain amount of driving. They have canteens and rest rooms. What does the cabbie have? He has to drive continually for 12 hours.