With no option, unregistered cabs remain popular with commuters
GURUGRAM: Resumption of services for app-based cab aggregators in Gurugram may have brought some relief for the commuters. However, shortage of affordable public transportation has ensured that vehicles which are not registered under the cab permit also continue to remain popular with the commuters.
Most of these vehicles provide transportation services in city MNCS, BPOS and even individual owners. The need to earn a quick buck from the commuters has resulted in most of the drivers allowing the vehicles to also provide cab services to commuters.
Even as there is a strict law that non-registered vehicles should not be used for cab services, high demand from commuters and good additional income causes the driver to take the risk.
Most of these vehicles can be seen providing services at National Highway-8, Gurugram-faridabad road and Mehrauli-gurugram road. These vehicles continue to be popular with commuters, who want to go to Faridabad, Noida and Delhi.
The fares charged by the drivers can range between Rs 15 to Rs 40 depending on the location and the distance travelled.
With Gurugram facing a major challenge of effective public transportation system, most of the commuters are dependent on the vehicles providing illegal cab services for their daily travel.
If caught, these vehicles are liable for fine of Rs 2,000 as per law. However, there are reports that most of the drivers get away by paying a bribe of Rs 100-300 to police officials.
“There is a huge demand of people using our services for commutation purpose. With reasonable fares, it provides transportation facilities to the commuters who want to go to areas like Noida and South East Delhi. For drivers it provides good additional income,” said Jagadish (name changed) who works as a driver for a BPO in the city.
“Most commuters want to use our services as there is no option. As for police personnel, it provides them with an opportunity to harass and take bribes from us,” added Jagadish.