The ex-servicemen welfare association has come forward to start prepaid taxi service in the city. According to representatives of the association, it has held talks with the Coimbatore Corporation, which has asked them to start the service at Singanallur Bus Stand.
The association will approach bank for loan to buy cars. Initially, 10 vehicles fitted with vehicle tracking system will be launched. Commuters, who get down at the bus stand, can approach the taxi counter, say their destination, get a receipt, and pay the amount after getting down.
In case of complaints, the customers can reach the customer care centre, which the association will set up to handle grievances. The association has planned to approach the officials at the Salem Railway Division to see if they can start a service from the Coimbatore Railway Junction as well. The association says it will be able to ply taxis to places that fall within 50km radius.
And, as the vehicles are fitted with vehicle tracking system, they will be able to identify it drivers take circuitous route to fleece customers.
The association is making plans in such a way that it will be a Deepavali treat to the city’s residents and visitors to Coimbatore.
Welcoming the need for a prepaid taxi service, K. Kathirmathiyon, Secretary, Coimbatore Consumer Cause, says that it will be a welcome relief to people in Coimbatore and those who visit it because they have for long suffered at the hands of autorickshaw drivers and taxi operators who fleece. Mr. Kathirmathiyon says that the district administration, Coimbatore City Police, and Coimbatore Corporation should support the initiative.
