Probe against tourist taxis allegedly plying as local cabs

Acting on complaints from taxi unions, the transport department has initiated a probe against two tourist taxi companies for allegedly doing local business by illegally installing fare meters in their luxury cabs, without taking permission from the transport authorities. Kailash Korde reports.

Acting on complaints from taxi unions, the transport department has initiated a probe against two tourist taxi companies for allegedly doing local business by illegally installing fare meters in their luxury cabs, without taking permission from the transport authorities.

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In their complaints unions have alleged that the business of common taxi drivers has been hampered because of the illegal operations of these cab companies.

The Mumbai Taximen's Union (MTU) along with other unions filed these complaints against fleet cab companies including the popular Meru plus service.

Incidentally, one of the unions that has filed the complaint is the Meru Cab Chalak Sena (MCCS), the union of drivers of Meru fleet cabs, even though both Meru and Meru plus, are owned by same group. MCCS has alleged that Meru plus, which has the same call centre number as Meru, has been diverting Meru passengers to Meru plus instead.

"Meru plus has no legal permits to run these services," alleged Vinayak Raut, president of MCCS.

Confirming this development, transport commissioner VN More said, "We have ordered a probe into the issue and the Andheri RTO is following it."

The Meru plus spokesperson denied the allegations.