Due to the second wave of the coronavirus, and the restrictions imposed by the Maharashtra government, a huge dip has been witnessed in the number of passengers availing the autos and taxi rides.
Sources state that the number of daily rides in Mumbai is down by 4-5 lakhs whereas that of taxi happens to be nearly 50,000.
According to reports, Shashank Rao of the Mumbai auto-rickshaw union stated, “In the past one week, we have seen a huge drop in rides as only two passengers are allowed, while at the same time, people are not stepping out to go to private offices, shops etc. Autos are running empty even on feeder routes,” Moreover, the recent hike in the fares by INR 3 also happens to be another reason for the commuters to opt-out of availing autos and taxis for short distances.
In recent developments, several migrant workers have already left Mumbai as a result of the fresh curbs imposed in the city. Moreover, several others are reportedly preparing themselves to leave for their hometown. In addition, as per the rickshaw-taxi associations, many drivers are closing their businesses and leaving the city.
There are about 48,000 taxis and four lakh rickshaws in Mumbai. These vehicles run on the road in two shifts, morning and night. The owner drives in one shift and the driver in the other shift. Some vehicles are in the hands of drivers in both shifts. As a result of the fresh restrictions from 8 pm to 7 am, the drivers in the second shift have to return home empty-handed as there are no customers.
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