Fun n Fitness Mondays: Don't let anyone take you for a ride

A SoBo girl, who has lived in Mumbai for over two years and two decades, you can bet I know my way around this city and the cost of getting around it too. My residence is equidistant from both Charni Road and Grant Road stations; and any way you measure it, this distance is less than the minimum 1.3 km, which at current cab fare rates ought to cost Rs 21. We'll get back to this figure later, but just keep it in mind for now.

Now, we all know the adrenaline that accompanies running late and how it puts you into fight and flight mode. Last Thursday, I was running late for work and so when the cabbie (as most cabbies and rickshaw drivers do these days) asked me where I wanted to go and refused to go there, I did not pay heed and got into the back seat. Do note: It is unlawful for cabbies to deny the first offer of hire according to the Motor Vehicle Laws set by the RTO*, and their licences can be confiscated for doing so, amongst other penalties.

After reminding my rather egotistical cabbie that he could be jaile dor his license could be confisicated if he refused to accept a passenger on the same side of the road and direction in which his cab was parked, he agreed to take me to my destination, but only after negotiating an alternate drop off point.

When we reached my destination, the fare was far higher than it was supposed to be. Startled, I asked, why it was so much. The driver was rude enough to tell me not to waste any time, pay the fare and get out. I was already horribly late by now, but didn't see any reason to pay someone more than his due. Not one to be taken for granted or to stand for shoddy treatment, I told him to take me to the police station. After much argument he agreed. At the police station, inspectors interogatted each of us and called for his license, badge and his taxi documents. He was charged a fine for not taking a passenger and charging excess money. 

Now many of you may see what I did as a waste of time; but I think it's about time we stood up for what is right. Especially when the law is on our side. 

Do check out the laws that pertain to transport in Mumbai below:  

Laws and fines to Remember under the Moter Vehicle Act (1988)— (In each of the cases, depending upon the severity, the driver can be jailed) 
Any person disobeying directions given by any person or  authority empowered, or obstruction any person or authority in the discharge of his functions under the MV Act  S. 179(1) of MV Act Rs.500

Causing nuisance or danger to the public by the holder of a driving licence ,i.e. the  driver of a motor-cab demanding or extracting any fare in excess of that to which he is legally entitled or refusing to  ply motor-cab (Autho-rikshaw, taxi)  Section 177  Rule 21(23)  Fine which may extend to Rs.100/- for first offence and fine which may extend to  Rs.300/- for the second or subsequent  offence. 

Disqualification of license of Cabbies and auto drivers
* The driver of a motor cab not accepting the first offer of hire which may be made to him irrespective of the length of the journey for which such offer is made.

Misbehaviour with and showing discourtesy to passengers, intending passengers or consignors and consignees of goods. Disqualification of license 

Loitering or unduly delaying any journey and not proceeding to the destination as near as may be in accordance with the time table pertaining to the vehicle, or, where   there is no such time table, with all reasonable despatch.

The driver of a motor cab demanding or extracting any fare in excess to that to which he is legally entitled or refusing to ply motor cab.