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, comprise 25 Maruti Alto vehicles which will be in
operation 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 ever growing 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.
PTI
