Cong takes on illegal share-taxi operators in Kashimira
The local Youth Congress unit in Mira-Bhayandar is up in arms against operators of private vehicles who illegally ferry passengers in and out of the twin-city, especially along the Kashimira-Vapi route.
Besides cheaper rates, the illegal transport vehicles – mostly Eeco Vans – have an efficient system in place. Not only have they turned the space beneath the underconstruction bridge near
Hotel Fountain in Kashimira into a pick-up point, but they are also operating the illegal racket in an organised manner.
The Congress has been at loggerheads with traffic personnel for their alleged inaction against the illegal rideshare operators. According to the Congress, these operators are robbing the livelihood of genuine auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, besides creating a significant dent in the kitty of the various public transport authorities.
“We have been complaining to the police about the illegalities and goondaism by these drivers. If they fail to act we will be
left with no other option but to launch a rasta-roko agitation,” said Youth Congress leader Deep Kakde.
When contacted, senior police inspector (traffic), Ramesh Bhame said, “We are regularly taking action against the illegal taxi operators. Around 20 cases have been registered in the past few days. The action will continue.”
Traveling in unauthorised private vehicles not only poses a serious risk to one's safety and security but in case of accidents, compensations will be denied as private car insurance does not cover passengers, unlike commercial yellow board taxis and authorised appbased cab aggregators who not only pay additional road tax and permit charges but also twice the insurance premiums. Moreover, unlike private cars, tourist vehicles require fitness certificates that are to be renewed every year. Due to the ongoing strike of state transport bus workers, the authorities are forced to treat the private cabbies with kid-gloves so as to ensure daily commuters are not inconvenienced, sources said.