Bold MMRTA move faces opposition from auto unions
Private vehicles ferrying passengers near Turbhe and Jui Nagar railway station is a common sight. While plying of private vehicles for commercial purposes is illegal, infrastructural problems and the anti-passenger stance of the rickshaws forced the authorities to turn a blind eye to them. However, with a view to implement an efficient transport system, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority or MMRTA has decided to implement a proposal to include five and six-seater vehicles as part of public utilities. The aim is to help the passengers conveniently get transport to their destination and to legalize the existing private transport vehicles plying the roads.
As expected, the move has not gone well with auto unions. They are afraid that these illegal vehicles will take over the roads and eat into their bread and butter. They allege that the new proposal is unfairly drafted and will give an undue advantage to illegal private vehicles.
According to Kasam Mulani, President of Navi Mumbai Rickshaw Mahasangh, “The minutes of the meeting clearly describe the model and type of vehicles that can henceforth be used to ply commuters on sharing basis. At present, these vehicles are operated illegally outside most railway stations. It would not be long before these vehicles don the yellow and black paint and continue their business legally.”
The bone of contention is four wheelers, which are registered for private purposes, but transport consumers to and fro from stations. Mulani added, “By introducing vehicles with more seating space like taxis, the business of auto rickshaw drivers is going to be affected badly. We will be sending our objection to the highest authority.”
However, according to MMRTA, this proposal is an excellent chance for regular private vehicles to upgrade their licenses and renew their permits.
Deputy RTO Sanjay Dhaygude says, “This is an excellent move by the authority which will lessen traffic congestion and provide service at an economical rate. Regular taxi owners can now seek permit replacement and upgrade to bigger taxis,”
To read the full report on the Times of India, click here: http://bit.ly/GCbZ1n
