MUMBAI: In a first, the Tardeo RTO has prepared a dedicated squad for assisting every passenger travelling by Kaali Peeli, aggregator or tourist cabs in SoBo and other parts of the island city. The squad was approved by transport commissioner Avinash Dhakne on Friday and will start functioning from September 1. It can be called by any passenger witnessing refusal by a cab driver, rude behaviour, tampered meter or being overcharged.
"We want to ensure that citizens have hassle free journeys by cabs, which is why we have three officials dedicated to this squad along with a special vehicle which can be summoned to any part of the island city," said regional transport officer (Tardeo) Bharat Kalaskar. He has also instituted two awards -- one for best taxi driver, including those who return valuables left behind by passengers in cabs, and another for taxi drivers who help rush mishap victims to hospitals on time.
"While we want to punish errant drivers, we are also giving away awards for those who are doing good service to society," said Kalaskar, who is known for organising such events earlier when he was posted at Andheri and Borivali RTOs in the past.
From September 1, the special squad can be contacted on 9076201010 7 am to 7 pm. Beyond 7 pm you can whatsapp or text message the complaint and also email on mh01taxicomplaint@gmail.com. A separate cell will monitor the complaints and issue showcause notices to cab drivers. "We will suspend licences or permits of unscrupulous drivers and ensure passenger safety," he said.
The awards for good drivers will be given at a RTO function scheduled for October 2 during the Joy of Giving week, he added.
