Taxi unions of kaali-peeli cabs are planning to stage an agitation against the government’s decision for making Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) and panic buttons mandatory for all taxis.
The Mumbai Taximen's Union has written to Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, objecting the plan and have claimed that there is no need to install VTS and panic buttons in kaali-peeli cabs, as commuters feel safe.
On November 28, 2016, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway’s issued a notification that VTS and panic buttons must be installed in all public service vehicles from April 1.
AL Quadros, leader of Mumbai Taximen's Union told Hindustan Times,
For installing this system, the government should use the Nirbhaya Fund, which is lying idle. The government should exempt black-and-yellow cabs from this rule.”
Another taxi union, Swabhiman Taxi Rickshaw Union, wrote to the Maharashtra transport commissioner demanding that the government should bear the expense of installing VTS and panic buttons, which will cost around ₹12,000 a taxi.
Meanwhile, in the wake of the ministry’s notification, private bus operators in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra will call a meeting on April 6, to determine the course of action as the notification includes buses as well.
Share
Tweet
