E-complaints against cabbies, autos who refuse customers

We've all faced it at some point in the city of Mumbai. You ask stop an auto or a cab driver to go somewhere and they almost immediately say no and drive off. Now, Mumbai's transport department is getting ready to build a website where users can lodge a complaint against taxi and auto-drivers who refuse fares.According to a report in DNA, the new system will provide complainants with a complaint number. This will ensure that users can check if their complaint has been dealt with.The report adds that complaints will be classified on case specifics, such as "complaints about excessive fares, refusal to ply, rude behaviour and meter tampering". Currently, citizens can dial 1800-22-0110 to fill a complaint. For more on the e-complaint system read the DNA report here.[caption id="attachment_1156469" align="alignleft" width="380"]

File photo of Mumbai taxis. Reuters[/caption]While an e-system is definitely needed to file complaints, users are often unable to note down the number of the taxi or the auto as the driver will just zoom past.In light of this, the traffic police is also using women cops in civilian clothes to nab such drivers. The department is also recommending that cab-drivers and auto-drivers who have more than three complaints against them should have their licences suspended.According to a Times of India report, DCP (traffic-suburbs) Pratap Dighavkar, told them, "To prevent such auto drivers and cabbies from repeating the offence, we plan to write to the RTO recommending that the driving licences of those who are booked more than twice be suspended."