Lack of response pushes panel to extend online auto, cab survey

With just 900 responses so far to the Maharashtra state survey regarding black and yellow cabs and autorickshaws, initiated by the four-member fare review committee, a decision has been taken to extend the deadline to May 31 and also to make the forms available offline.

Speaking to DNA, former bureaucrat BC Khatua, chairman of the committee, called for a meeting on Monday, which was the last day of filling the survey that was started from May 1. "We had a detailed discussion about the possible reasons for the lukewarm response and since a lot of people travel for vacations we have decided to extend the deadline further," he said.

This was the first time the government has invited people to be part of a survey — designed by Word Research Institute (WRI), a research organisation to help determine a new tariff and also gauge the general perception of the people about the services offered by black and yellow cabs as well as auto rickshaws. In fact two separate survey forms were also designed for drivers of cabs and autos as well as one for unions.

Khatua shared lack of response from drivers and unions was also discussed. "We have decided to ask all the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to keep hard copies of the survey form and encourage the auto and cabs drivers to fill it while they visit the RTO," he said.

As per WRI, of the total survey forms received 64 per cent were from Mumbai, 10 per cent from Pune and 17 per cent included Navi mumbai, Thane, Kalyan, Dombivli and Ambernath while the rest were from various parts of Maharashtra.

Thambi Kurien, working president of Mumbai Rickshawmen Union said that all the state needed to do was follow Hakim committee's recommendation. "We asked our men to go and fill the online form but most of them returned stating that they were facing lots of difficulties," he said.