'We will give Mumbai world-class cab service'

Radio cab major proposes to launch Mercedes and Limousine for high-profile customers

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan's diktat to cab drivers in Mumbai did not go down well with many, his supporters and adversaries alike.


Bye, Bye cab troubles: Delhi would require 20,000 cabs by 2012,
going by the demand for radio taxi service in the city. Also, the demand
is expected to rise steeply as the city plays host to Commonwealth
Games in October

However, a Delhi-based radio cab major has taken Chavan's advice to heart. It is looking to hire only those who can speak the native language for expansion of its services in the commercial capital of the country.
Carzonrent, the owner of the brand EasyCabs, run 1,200 cars on rental basis in Mumbai and is targeting the area around Navi Mumbai, as "people find it difficult to get a taxi from there."

"Mumbai is a new challenge for us. But we are planning to match it with facilities that customers in Mumbai have never experienced. We are going to hire drivers who would have a better connect with them, who are able to speak Marathi and are well behaved," Rajiv K Vij, managing director, Carzonrent told MiD DAY.
"Efficient call centers, drivers and world-class facilities will be the unique selling points of our services in Mumbai," Vij said.

Company's flagship radio cab service - EasyCabs - will hit Mumbai by the end of this month and has applied for direct permits. Currently, the 1,200 cars in operation serve corporate clients, especially those staying at five or seven-star hotels. It also runs a Limousine service on rent for top-end customers.
Carzonrent would acquire luxury Hyundai Accent sedans for Mumbai operations for which Rs 14/km would be charged.

Eyeing the Games
Vij also pointed out that the market in Delhi is also expanding fast. He said with the city hosting Commonwealth Games in October, there would be a huge demand for radio taxis.

"Currently, we operate 900 cabs in Delhi and get 7,500 calls every day. It reflects the huge gap between demand and supply. Commonwealth Games would only augment the demand. We are planning to increase the number of cars by 3,000 to tap into this market," he said.

The Carzonrent managing director added that they have urged the Delhi government to set up designated radio taxi service stands in the city. "Just like there are terminals and stands for buses, there should be permanent stands for cabs. It would be a great help to the customers,"u00a0 Vij said.

"By 2012, Delhi will require at least 20,000 taxies and Mumbai around 30,000 cabs," said Vij.

1,200 Number of cabs that Carzonrent run in Mumbai, currently. They are mostly meant for high profile customers.
7,500 Number of calls that are received at EasyCabs call centres in Delhi every day.