Action against auto-drivers who fleeced passengers: Raote

Maharashtra Transport Minister Diwakar Raote today said the authorities have identified 25 auto-rickshaw drivers who overcharged the passengers during the disruption of suburban railway service on January 2.
"We had formed eight vigilance teams of 15 members each to identify the drivers who charged exorbitant rates. We have till now booked 25 drivers for violating laws," Raote said.
He also said that around 40,000 taxi and autorickshaw permits issued during the previous Congress-NCP regime would be scrutinised and bogus licenses would be cancelled.
"We had received complaints of fake documents like educational certificates and domicile certificates having been submitted to get permits. In some cases, the applicants were not even drivers, which is mandatory to get a permit. We then formed a committee to probe the irregularities," Raote said.

"The report of the committee headed by the joint commissioner of transport department did show violation of norms in some cases and hence we decided to probe those cases," he added.
The minister also said the state transport department will facilitate air-conditioned black and yellow taxi service.
"Most of the (black-and-yellow) taxis plying on the roads are of new make. Fiat taxis are rarely seen now. These new taxis have in-built air-conditioning systems. We will soon come out with a separate rate card for AC taxis and passengers can pay the additional fare. Passengers will not have to book AC cabs anymore as black and yellow taxis are available in every nook and corner," Raote said.