Economy taxis not so economic for Delhi airport commuters

Passengers opting for economy taxis from Delhi airport are ending up paying exorbitant fares of up to Rs 23 per kilometer with added taxes instead of the flat Rs 12.50 per kilometer rate. These economy taxis are allegedly being illegally used by premium radio taxi operators at the IGI airport.

According to the complaint sent by the transport association at Delhi airport to the Delhi government's transport department and the traffic police, economy taxis (which are registered under DL1RT permit) are bound to charge Rs 12.50 per kilometer but in order to make quick profit, they are working hand in gloves with leading private radio taxi companies and are charging double the fare.

ECONOMY TAXIS NOT THAT ECONOMIC

In this way, the taxi operators are cheating the customers and the government. Cars with registration number DL1RT, can be used as economy taxis with their fare fixed at Rs 12.50 per km.

Whereas Mega cabs, which are premium radio taxis, can charge Rs 23 per kilometer. Mega cab has now engaged economy taxis under its fleet and is looting customers by charging Rs 23 instead of Rs 12.50," said Rajendra Soni, general secretary of Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union to MAIL TODAY.

Members of Indra Gandhi International Airport terminal-III also alleged that these economy taxis are not only charging double the fare but are also collecting service taxes and airport charges.

The taxi union is also alleging that the illegal trade is being supported by airport officials. The union had apparently complained to them but no action was taken. Refuting the allegation, senior officials of Mega Cabs said that they are inclined with the City Taxi Scheme laid down by the Delhi government.

"We have engaged only sedan cars to our fleet which fits the requirement for radio taxi and accordingly we are charging the passengers. There is no violation of fare set by the government," said a senior officer of Mega Cabs.

There is the minimum rate of `12.50 per km for Economy Radio Taxis followed by Rs 14 per km and Rs 16 per km for non-ACE & ACE black and yellow top taxis.

EXORBITANT FARES

The notified fare of Radio Taxi cabs (distinguished by an LCD board on the roof top saying, Radio Taxi) is Rs 23 per km. The taxi union has further produced bills before MAIL TODAY charged by Mega cabs, on of which shows `580 being charged for travelling 18km. This includes service tax and airport charge. However, a company official clarified that they have engaged only sedans and radio taxi cabs which are entitled to charge Rs 23 per km.

However, a senior official in the transport department has also confirmed about cases of exorbitant fares being charged from passengers on the pretext of premium radio taxi services.

"We need to check if the fault is of the private players or if some local gang is in operation, misusing the name of Radio taxi. Four teams will be deployed at the IGI airport to look into the matter," the senior transport officer said.

The Delhi government has agreed to take action against taxis under the economy scheme that are charging radio taxi rates. "We have received a complaint from the taxi union. We will check if the government rule is being violated. If the allegation is found to be true, their permit will be cancelled and the cars will be seized," said special commissioner of the transport department, KK Dahiya.

Transport union also met special commissioner traffic who has assured them to take action against unruly taxi operators.

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