AUTO AND TAXI DRIVERS MAY BE ABLE TO BOOK CNG ONLINE

MUMBAI: Autorickshaw and taxi drivers may now have to wait in shorter queues at petrol stations in the city, as they may be able to book Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) online.

Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) on Saturday afternoon held a meeting with traffic police personnel and taxi and autorickshaw unions. During the meeting, the introduction of an online system for booking CNG was proposed. They also discussed the introduction of a token-based system wherein drivers would have to book in advance and collect tokens from the CNG stations.

Taxi unions who were a part of the meeting have opposed the proposal, claiming that drivers do not use or have access to the internet.

“We have opposed the introduction of the online booking of CNG for the taxi and autorickshaw drivers. The main reason for the opposition is that maximum of our drivers are not tech savvy and many do not have an internet connection on their phones, which is required for the booking,” said Al Quadros, leader, Mumbai Taximen Union.

Quadros further stated that MGL has assured that they would train the drivers.

“The MGL officials present in the meeting have stated that they would give training to the drivers to book online and use the tokens. If that does not happen and the drivers are forced to book online, then we will stop buying CNG from the company,” he said.

When Hindustan Times contacted MGL for a response on the meeting, a spokesperson said that the proposal is in its initial stage and refused to comment.