Safety: No passenger voice in transport department's action plan

The state transport department is working on an 'action plan' for taxi operators and aggregators. However, suggestions by passenger associations or representatives of commuters are unlikely to be incorporated as none of then have yet been heard.

In a meeting called by the transport commissioner on Thursday, authorities informed the close to 10 cab operators who attended it that licences of private players could be suspended if rules are flouted.

"Even if one of the drivers is found without a badge, officials may suspend our licence. This is one of the important points discussed in the meeting," said one of those who attended the meeting.

However, to date none of the consumer/passenger groups have been invited to the meeting with private players. If they are invited and their suggestions incorporated, that would go a long way in improving the security of passengers.

Taxi operators and aggregators have started working on a plan to upgrade the safety options for passengers. It's likely to be implemented by January 15, the deadline to make all taxis safety compliant.

The measures now being taken by the transport department follows the rape incident in New Delhi earlier this month involving a driver of an Uber cab. Although, other states have banned web or app-based cab services, Maharashtra is yet to do that. A government official said that none of the private players in the field would, as of now, would be banned.