“Mass transport in the city needs to develop,” said R. Ashok, Minister for Home and Transport, while inaugurating a private cab service here on Thursday, even as he stressed the need to provide safe and reliable taxis in the city for visitors.
Mr. Ashok was speaking at the launch of Mega Cabs, a new taxi service, which charges Rs. 70 for the first four km and Rs. 17.5 per km thereafter. Around 800 cabs will be pressed into service by this month-end.
On Thursday, around 200 were flagged off.
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Jagadish Shettar said at least 1,000 people got jobs with the introduction of this taxi service.
Kunal Lalani, chairman, Mega Cabs said that the drivers were appointed after several levels of tests and verification.
Mega Cabs can be called on 47474747 and can also be booked online at www.megacabs.com
Meanwhile, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) also launched a brand new fleet of taxis on Thursday. Called Airport Taxi, these distinctively designed taxis will commute to and from the airport.
While 1,400 were introduced on Thursday, another 600 will join the fleet by the end of 2012.
Additional Commissioner of Police M.A. Saleem, who flagged off the taxis, said: “This will help Bangalore redeem its image as a transport-friendly city. Of late, people have been complaining about being harassed by taxi drivers and auto drivers. The tracking device in these taxis will ensure that customers are charged as per the meter.”
Hari Marar, president of airport operations at Bengaluru International Airport, said: “Half of these taxis are owned by drivers and the other half by service providers like KSTDC, Mega Cabs and Meru. Every trip is audited so customers need not worry about being swindled by drivers.”
Airport Taxi can be summoned by calling 44224422.
