A section of the city’s consumer and transport activists is now throwing its weight behind making issue of receipts to auto and taxi commuters mandatory.
How often has a rogue autorickshaw driver who fleeced you thumbed his nose at you and got away due to lack of proof against him? Good news, a section of the city’s consumer and transport activists is now throwing its weight behind making issue of receipts to auto and taxi commuters mandatory.
Such a receipt — printed or handwritten — will serve as proof of having undertaken a journey with details such as distance covered, fare incurred and the vehicle registeration number. It could be presented to the authorities while making complaints and can perhaps serve as evidence in court.
Presently, such a facility is available only in the city’s 20,000-plus new black-and-yellow taxis, which began installing electronic meters in August 2008. But, it has mostly been gathering dust, as most commuters are unaware of it.
Anthony Quadros, general secretary of the Mumbai Taximen’s Union, said the few who ask for a printed receipt want it to fill travel refund vouchers at their workplace.
Shirish Deshpande of the Mumbai Grahak Panchayat suggested that the facility be tried even in taxis and autos with mechanical meters. “The drivers can simply be asked to give handwritten bill receipts, like they provide in restaurants. This way, a consumer who pays for the service will at least have evidence.” Deshpande said.
Transport activist AV Shenoy recounted his experience of being taken for a ride by an auto driver. But he could not proceed with a complaint due to lack of proof.
An RTO official involved in the crackdown against errant autorickshaw and taxi drivers said, “This can help enforcement officers at RTOs. Presently, the way we prosecute these drivers — especially when responding to complaints on the helpline or email — is highly questionable, legally speaking. If the drivers take us to court, most cases will not stand as there is simply no evidence of wrongdoing.”
State transport commissioner VN More said he was on the same page as the activists on the necessity of printed receipts. “The black-and-yellow taxis which have printers have not been mandated to issue receipts. The proposal is a good suggestion.”
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