Delhi to introduce low-fare taxis

New non-airconditioned, low-fare cabs will be introduced in the capital as a more comfortable alternative to the crowded public transport system.

New non-airconditioned, low-fare cabs will be introduced in the capital as a more comfortable alternative to the crowded public transport system.

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"Non-air-conditioned, economical taxis will be introduced soon. The price for it has been fixed at Rs.10 per kilometre. Global Positioning System will also be installed in it besides connecting it with a call centre," Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely told reporters.

While the existing black and yellow cabs will charge Rs.20 for the first kilometre from Wednesday and Rs.11 thereafter, the radio taxis charge Rs.15 for the first km trip and Rs.8.50 for subsequent kilometre.

Several private companies have contacted the transport department for the purpose, a government official said, adding that about 2,000-3,000 such taxis will ply on the city roads in next six months to one year.

The new service will be run by both private and individual operators, Lovely said, adding that vehicles with engine power between 700cc and 1,000 cc will be allowed. This includes Maruti Omni, Maruti Alto and Wagon R.

A senior transport official said the process for issuing license for the service has, however, been started.