Few city taxi services follow commuter safety norms

Shariq Majeed / TNN / Jul 25, 2015, 01:35 IST

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As the number of taxi services has grown in the city, not many service providers are ensuring the adherence to necessary norms, raising questions over the security of passengers, especially women.

Few city taxi services follow commuter safety norms

LUDHIANA: As the number of taxi services has grown in the city, not many service providers are ensuring the adherence to necessary norms, raising questions over the security of passengers, especially women. Neither do the vehicles have any helpline numbers mentioned on them, nor do they have details of drivers, making it very difficult to trace these vehicles traced in case a crime is committed in them.
Sources said that even as there are around 150 taxis in the city of three service providers, not many of them have police helpline numbers, including a women's helpline number, written on them. They added that usually, the backside of the driver's seat or another prominent spot in the vehicle has the name of the driver, his mobile number, owner's name, and other such details, but in most of the cabs, these details are not there.
Police officials said after cab drivers were allegedly involved in misdoings with commuters in Delhi, traffic police here had called taxi drivers and asked them to comply with the norms. "As we are concerned with the security of cab users, we had recently called a meeting, wherein we directed them to display helpline numbers, personal information etc, on the vehicle to prevent any eventuality," said Dr Richa Agnihotri, assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Traffic. She added that drivers of these cabs have already been registered with the police for better security for commuters.
Meanwhile, the transport department authorities said necessary directions had been given to cab service providers to get the GPS system installed in the cabs. "We have already asked them to get GPS fitted in the vehicles, as it is necessary for the safety and security of cab users, especially women. This will help in tracing the cab's location when a commuter takes the taxi," said district transport officer Anil Garg.

Women commuters who frequently use the cab service say the authorities should ensure that vehicles have helpline numbers and details of the drivers written on the vehicle. Says Isha, a student from Civil Lines, who frequently travels on cabs: "In Delhi, I have seen vehicles with helpline numbers, including women helpline numbers, written on them. Also, we have details about the driver, including contact number etc, written on the back of the driver's seat, which one can Whatsapp to parents while using the taxi. The same can be done here as well, but for that, the authorities must take steps."

About the Author

Shariq Majeed

Shariq Majeed is a special correspondent with The Times of India’s Ludhiana bureau. He covers health, courts, district administration, crime, environment and politics. He enjoys listening to music, reading, watching cricket and driving.

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