'Allow autos, taxis to display ads'

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) met the transport commissioner on Thursday to seek permission for auto-rickshaws and taxis to display ads.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) met the transport commissioner on Thursday to seek permission for auto-rickshaws and taxis to display ads.

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Vice president of MNS' women's wing Shalini Thackeray said, "The government allows the fleet cabs to display advertisements. Drivers of the black-and-yellow taxis will benefit immensely if their vehicles are allowed to display ads."

The request for ad-space on taxis and auto-rickshaws has been with the state transport department for long. "We demanded permission for advertisements on 70% of the rickshaw, including on its sides, back and roof-top. We spoke to the state transport commissioner in July but are yet to get an appropriate response," said Shashank rao, union leader, Mumbai Autorickshawmen's Union.

State transport commissioner VN More said that the matter was being discussed within the government.

Meanwhile, the MNS delegation that met the transport commissioner also pressed for reservation for women taxi drivers. "We had demanded reservations last year, but no action was taken. We have about 500 women who wish to work as drivers, but haven't been issued permits," Thackeray said. More said it was a policy matter and the state government was looking into it.