Taxi operators in Kolkata warned against refusal

"Strong action will be taken against taxi drivers who refuse passengers, while their trade unions have been asked to cancel their membership," Transport Minister Madan Mitra said here after a meeting with trade unions of taxi operators.

"Violation of guidelines will not be tolerated and the offenders will be taken to task in such cases," he said.

The minister said that identity cards for taxi-drivers and their address and mobile number on the back of licence have been made mandatory.

Taxis would also have to display the registration number inside, he said.

Operators would have to get their taxis checked on a regular basis to get fitness certificates.

The permit of taxis could be scrapped and licence cancelled for six months against violation of guidelines, Mitra said.

A toll-free number has been introduced to register complaints of passengers, he said.

The minister sought cooperation of the TU leaders and asked them to monitor the operation of taxis.