Most taxis in city registered with incorrect addresses

In what poses a big problem for safety on city roads, most taxis plying in Mumbai are registered on false or incorrect addresses, which means authorities would face a tough time tracing the owner in the event of a crime.

In what poses a big problem for safety on city roads, most taxis plying in Mumbai are registered on false or incorrect addresses, which means authorities would face a tough time tracing the owner in the event of a crime.

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The Mumbai Taximen’s Union, which represents most of the taxi drivers in the city, said that only 5-10% of the taxis are registered with valid addresses, a claim that Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials agree to, though they differ over the percentage.

“The details of more than 90% taxis are inaccurate,” said AL Quadros, leader of the union.

Quadros said that most taxis in the city were registered with central Mumbai addresses. The drivers have since relocated, owing to revamp or slum rehabilitation schemes, but the registered address remained unchanged.

Officials said this makes it difficult for them to trace owners while taking action on commuters’ complaints, or in police cases.

They have to issue a ‘wanted note’ against them and take action when the owners approach the RTO for their annual fitness certificate, or renewal of taxi permit or driving licences.