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Hiring taxi becomes a convenient affair now

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI JAN. 17. Thanks to the "global positioning system'' (GPS), Delhiites can now look forward to a safe, secure and reliable taxi service in the Capital. Nearly 90 cabs in fully automated GPS mode are successfully running on the Capital's roads for almost a month now, making hiring a taxi a convenient affair.

Taking a cue from global travel managers, Delhi-based radio taxi operator "Mega Cab" introduced for the first time in the country taxis operating on GPS mode. "A control room with high-tech equipment for the system worth over Rs.2 crores was installed at Greater Kailash and 90 cabs fitted with the system, each costing Rs.25,000 to initiate the project,'' informed Kunal Lalani, the managing director of Mega Corporation, the company behind Mega Cab.

The GPS system, conceived by the U.S. army for its use in navigation and electronic guidance of weapon system, helps in finding the position of objects on the earth's surface by utilising 24 satellites. The mode of communication between the satellite and GPS chip on the ground is data mode.

According to Mr. Lalani, from the system installed at control room they could track all cars fitted with the system, thus they were in constant touch with the hub.

"That way it is very safe and secure for women, kids and elderly people as in case of any emergency they are always in touch with the control room. Besides, drivers also cannot cheat or make excuses. In case of any breakdown, traffic jam or accident, we can immediately know and arrange for immediate help.''

Stating that through their present system, they could add 500 cabs to the GPS mode, which would be done within next few months, Mr. Lalani said the service had been very popular among MNCs and women working in night shifts who feel very safe in this particular system.

"Hiring taxi is also made convenient through this system. Our control room knows positions of cabs, and a person asking for a taxi can get it within minutes as we ask the nearest taxi available to reach a particular destination,'' he added.

Cabs with the GPS system were available by just dialling 1929 where Rs.15 per kilometre was being charged, said Mr. Lalani, adding that drivers were being trained on the use of this system effectively and the GPS mode would be upgraded to international standards in next phases.

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