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CNG auto, taxi drivers to protest e-token system

The Bombay Autorickshawmen's Union and Mumbai Taximen's Union have threatened to stage a protest on December 13.

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The taxi and auto unions have once again threatened to go on a strike. However, this time, they will be protesting the Mahanagar Gas Limited's (MGL) decision to make online booking for CNG mandatory. The Bombay Autorickshawmen's Union and Mumbai Taximen's Union have threatened to stage a protest on December 13.

They will begin this protest at 10 am in front of MGL's office in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). "We are protesting the mandatory online booking to fill CNG in taxis and auto rickshaws. Majority of taxi and auto rickshaw drivers do not have smart phones nor do they know how to use one for taking these appointments," said AL Quadros, General Secretary, Mumbai Taximen's Union.

As per this process, one can take an online appointment for filling up gas at any CNG station nearby. The unions are, however, claiming that autos and taxis will find it difficult as they ply for 7-8 hours and in case of an emergency, they will not be able to wait for an online appointment, which, a car-owner can book easily.

Currently, there are more than 3 lakh CNG vehicles plying, including private cars, taxis and autos. The unions claim that there are only 135 outlets, which lead to traffic snarls. Recently, the Mumbai Traffic Police had asked the MGL to ensure that they do not encourage filling up vehicles with CNG during peak hours as it further leads to traffic jams.

"It takes nearly 3 hours to fill CNG once our cabs stand in a queue," added Quadros. Due to this, sources said it has been started as pilot project at 3 CNG pumps.

"We are implementing an e-token system on pilot basis, wherein customers can book their slot for CNG refilling in advance as per their convenience. They have the option of booking their slot by downloading the MGL e-token app or by sending a SMS with details of their vehicle number and convenient time slot. One can simply show the SMS and get the gas without standing in a queue," said a spokesperson for MGL.

For creating awareness among the CNG users, especially the auto and taxi drivers, MGL has put up banners, distributed pamphlets and demonstrated the use of the app at the prescribed CNG outlet before implementing the e-token system. It is being run on a trial basis at the selected CNG pumps.

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