Mumbai’s taxi, auto travel: Complain about overcharging, rash driving on this mobile app

The transport department has launched web and Android applications that commuters can use to complain about fare refusal, overcharging and rash-driving, among others

A taxi driver refusing a trip or autorickshaw overcharging — all you need is an app to lodge your complaint.

The transport department has launched web and Android applications that commuters can use to complain about fare refusal, overcharging and rash-driving, among others. The app will let you track the status of your complaints too.

The transport department’s app was developed with the help of Mahaonline, a joint venture between the state government and Tata Consultancy Services.

“The mobile application is free on the Google Play Store,” said a senior official.

Pravin Gedam, transport commissioner said the citizens’ complaints through the apps will be addressed within 7-15 days.

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The mobile app also has an SOS button for passengers to use in case of an emergency. The transport department has been developing the mobile app since last year, but the process sped up after a Bombay high court directive to introduce an effective complaint-redressal system by May.

Until now, registering a complaint was tedious process. So far, for complaints about auto and taxi drivers refusing trips, commuters either had to file written complaints at the RTO or call the helpline — which most often did not work. For complaints about licence and applications, the only option was to write to the RTO, with no way to track the status of the complaint.

“The system will be interactive and is under development. Commuters will receive alerts via texts,” said another official.