Five years ago, DNA lobbied for the freedom of choice

The hoarding represents the founding principle of DNA — Mumbaikars deserve choice and a voice. In today’s edition, we ask taxi and bus drivers to define ‘freedom’.

Freedom from corruption
Freedom for me is an opportunity to choose my profession. I am happy being a driver and love to drive Mumbaikars to different destinations. If I have freedom to choose, I would like the city to be free from corruption.
Akhtar Khan, 44

Better relationship with passengers
Our city is truly democratic and everyone is free to do what one wants. I enjoy my work as I am free to do it without any restrictions. But lately, our relationship with passengers has deteriorated. I want that to change.
Ankush Ingole, 50

I want a traffic-free Mumbai
As a bus driver, I am particular about punctuality. I don’t like people reaching their destinations late. The main reason for getting delayed in the city is chaotic traffic. Hence, I would like to free the city of such traffic which delays people.
Sagar Revne, 22

Want to have my own taxi, someday
An equal opportunity for earning is real freedom for me. I came to the city from Uttar Pradesh in search of livelihood. Currently, I don’t have my own vehicle and I have to pay rent for the taxi. In future, I would want to own my car.
Prem Sharma, 30

Don’t get the respect we deserve
Freedom to me is the feeling of belonging. Taxis are almost indispensable for city commuters, but we don’t get the respect we deserve. We have to keep moving all the time due to lack of proper taxi stands. I want adequate parking space in the city.
Bhavani Prasad, 50

City roads need to be maintained well
There is equality in the city for all hardworking people. This is true freedom, in my opinion. There are not many open spaces in the city, but whatever roads or parks we have should be maintained well. Akhilesh Pal, 30