Prepare for few autos, taxis on Wednesday

Autorickshaw and taxi drivers have also joined the fray of people planning to bunk work on account of Wednesday's mouthwatering semifinal clash. Only 30 per cent of taxis and 40 per cent autorickshaws are expected to ply.

Anthony L Quadros, General Secretary, Mumbai Taximen's Union, said, "Drivers are expecting fewer passengers on the roads, and are planning to watch the match themselves."

Taxi drivers at the airport too are in no mood to run taxis. Kanhaiya Singh, Secretary, Mumbai Taximen Sangathana, said, "When India plays Pakistan, it's an unofficial strike by us and the passengers. Passengers at the airport will have a bit of a problem. But I think most people will not leave home unless they own a vehicle."

The Sangathana has over 3,500 taxis and the airport has nearly 1,200 taxis. Singh admits that although no taxi driver has officially announced that he will refuse to ply on Wednesday, most drivers are not expected to turn up for work. "On specific days, we don't mind foregoing what we earn. It's a war and we want to enjoy every moment," he laughs.

Autorickshaw drivers will also follow suit. Thampy Kurian, Working President, Mumbai Autorickshaw Union, said, "People are expected to stay off the roads, so autos will too."

Neither Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) nor private taxi companies like Meru and Mega cabs have taken a decision yet. Sanjay Potnis, BEST Committee Chairman, said, "We know there will be fewer passengers on the roads but yet we have not decided on our course of action."

Passengers who were expecting the Central and Western Railway to install LCD TV screens at railway station platforms will be disappointed. No such plan is in the offing said officials.