New models to join taxi fleet

New car models will soon join the fleet of black-and-yellow taxis. The state transport department cleared the entry of Swift Dzire, Mahindra Logan and the Maruti Swift on May 30.

New car models will soon join the fleet of black-and-yellow taxis. The state transport department cleared the entry of Swift Dzire, Mahindra Logan and the Maruti Swift on May 30.

HT Image

The Maruti SX4, which is being used by bureaucrats, will ply as blue-and-silver Cool Cabs. Confirming the development, an official from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) said: “These vehicles have a demand in the market and in the taxi union. Gradually, more vehicles will be added to the fleet.”

Manufacturers of high-end cars had been opposing the inclusion of their models, fearing that the demand for their cars in the open market would decrease. On April 28, Hindustan Times had reported on the state transport department’s decision to include luxury car models in the fleet of black and yellow taxis.

Meanwhile, the taxi drivers have already bought a few of these models anticipating their clearance by the government.“We want vehicles with more than 980cc capacity to ply as black and yellow taxis,” said A Quadros, general secretary, Mumbai Taximen’s Union.

The government wants the Honda City and the Toyota Camry to be part of the radio cab fleet.