People need better service from auto and taxi drivers……Virat A Singh
Mumbai Traffic chief Vivek Phansalkar, who followed the Meter Jam campaign, promises to bring relief to harried commuters who expressed their anger
Mumbai Traffic chief Vivek Phansalkar, who followed the Meter Jam campaign, promises to bring relief to harried commuters who expressed their anger
What is your take on the Meter Jam campaign?
I agree with the fact that people need better service from auto and cabs in the city and that is what I have communicated to both the taxi and union heads A L Quadros and Thambi Kurien respectively. I followed the Meter Jam campaign. People have expressed their anger loud and clear.
I agree with the fact that people need better service from auto and cabs in the city and that is what I have communicated to both the taxi and union heads A L Quadros and Thambi Kurien respectively. I followed the Meter Jam campaign. People have expressed their anger loud and clear.
How will the traffic police act on errant drivers and bring relief to citizens?
We plan to adopt a two-pronged approach. First, come down heavily on the drivers who refuse fares so that it can act as a deterrent. Second, try and impress on the drivers through the unions the need to follow basic rules so that the divide between the passengers and drivers can be bridged amicably.
We plan to adopt a two-pronged approach. First, come down heavily on the drivers who refuse fares so that it can act as a deterrent. Second, try and impress on the drivers through the unions the need to follow basic rules so that the divide between the passengers and drivers can be bridged amicably.
We have already booked around 500 drivers in the last four days post the campaign, I have given 40 additional men to all the three Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) handing the three regions.
People complain that auto and taxi drivers often refuse them in front of the traffic police and latter don’t take any action.
Strict instructions have been given to all my officers that they should be alert and take action if any such complaint is brought to them.
Strict instructions have been given to all my officers that they should be alert and take action if any such complaint is brought to them.
People can write to me directly if they face such problems. In fact, I have also instructed my officers to monitor railway stations and bus stops where maximum refusal of fares happens.
Do you think share-an-auto or cab scheme would help?
Share system has its own pros and cons. I don’t think it will solve the problem.
Share system has its own pros and cons. I don’t think it will solve the problem.
Don’t you think it’s high time Regional Transport Offices (RTO) implemented strict tests for drivers before giving them licenses to drive public service vehicles like autos and cabs?
I would not like to comment on this aspect as this comes under the purview of the Transport Commissioner. I am sure they are already working on it.
I would not like to comment on this aspect as this comes under the purview of the Transport Commissioner. I am sure they are already working on it.
Since RTOs take a lot of time initiating strict action against repeat offenders, the efforts of traffic cops who book them is wasted. Also, there is hardly any fear of losing their licence.
Suspension of a driving licence for such drivers is surely a deterrent. I agree, at the moment there are a few glitches, but the traffic department and the transport department are coordinating on these aspects. We will discuss and come out with solutions to tackle these issues as well.
Suspension of a driving licence for such drivers is surely a deterrent. I agree, at the moment there are a few glitches, but the traffic department and the transport department are coordinating on these aspects. We will discuss and come out with solutions to tackle these issues as well.
* IPS officer and Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Vivek Phansalkar