Pre-paid auto service at airport hits tech glitch

Fliers will have to wait for some more days to avail of the pre-paid autorickshaw service at the city airport. Kasturi Bagwe reports.

Fliers will have to wait for some more days to avail of the pre-paid autorickshaw service at the city airport.

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The airport authorities said the service has been delayed due to “a technical problem”.

“There are some issues with the software which loads the tariff of an autorickshaw on the computer. Once the problem is solved, we will start the pre-paid autorickshaw service,” said a spokesperson for the Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL).

At the pre-paid counter, the software generates receipts for commuters. The service will start any day next week.

Even on Saturday, most fliers were not aware that airport was to start this service. “I was not aware that pre-paid autos would ply from the airport. I welcome the move as it would ensure that autorickshaw drivers do not cheat customers,” said Ben Thomas (27), a frequent flier.

The airport authorities have not put up any board to inform the customers about the service. “We don’t want to create confusion among the passengers about the services provided at the airport. We will put up boards only after we start the service,” said the MIAL spokesperson.

“Rickshaws are restricted to a few areas. Also, in cases of more luggage and long distances, customers will opt for taxis. The pre-paid auto service will not affect us,” said Ishtiyar Ali (38), a taxi driver.