Transport authority considers helpline for taxi and auto users
Transport authority considers helpline for taxi and auto usersYou may soon have a mobile number to register your complaints against taxi drivers and rickshaw drivers who refuse to ply short distances or charge more than the valid fare.
Mumbai RTO is planning to follow in the footsteps of Thane's Road transport Office (RTO).
An official from the Mumbai RTO said, "We have been thinking about it. The project is being considered."
Two weeks back, the Thane RTO has introduced two mobile numbers for citizens to call or sms their complaints.
According to officials from Thane RTO, commuters had many complaints with rickshaws refusing to ply short distances and getting into fights with bus conductors for fares.u00a0
"We are improving our existing system. The two mobile numbers are an attempt to solve problems of people while commuting," said an official from Thane RTO.
The RTO announced that they would register complaints against autos, taxis, buses and other vehicles that violate traffic rules through this number.
"The calls will be recorded and there will be random checks to ensure that the number is functional. Strict action will be taken if any official is found ignoring these calls or does not provide assistance to the caller," added the official.
Citizens can register a complaint if an auto driver refuses to ply a short distance. Similarly, if a taxi driver refuses to carry any passenger, the driver can be penalised.
The rule applies to drivers and conductors of public transport as well. If they misbehave, then a complaint can be registered.
Furthermore, if an auto driver carries an extra passenger or has a faulty meter, then a complaint can be made and action will be taken by the RTO.
RTO officer Laxman Khade said, "After repeated complaints by commuters that their calls to the helpline go unanswered, we thought of introducing a new number that will ensure immediate attention to their grievances.
In its two weeks time, the Thane RTO are getting at least 4-5 calls a day.u00a0 "We are now expecting people to support us by registering their complaints. After that, we will confirm the case and will charge the motorist in question. In certain cases we also have permission to send them to court."
The mobile numbers released by the Thane RTO are 9619147997 and 9619147977 for registering such complaints.
How it will work?When commuters call the help line number, RTO personnel will ask for their address and phone number. These details will be forwarded to flying squad (it has three constables from the traffic department) that will visit the place and crosscheck details and take action accordingly. According to the official from Thane RTO, they charge Rs 500 from auto drivers refusing to ply to a certain place.
