NGO backs public boycott of Mumbai taxis Aug 12

MUMBAI - Action for good Governance and Networking in India (AGNI), an NGO that works with government agencies for transparency, Saturday announced support to a public boycott of autorickshaws and taxis Aug 12 to protest against arbitrary fares and misbehaviour.

The “Meter Jam” campaign has been started by three advertising professionals who have asked people to use other modes of public transport or car pools on that day.

“These three youngsters have taken the right step by calling for a protest against arbitrary fare and refusal by drivers to take commuters to destinations where they want to go,” said Sharad Kumar, trustee of AGNI.

“Under the Motor Vehicles Act, once the meter shows ‘For Hire’ no taxi or autorickshaw driver can refuse to take a citizen wherever he or she wants. But often, this does not happen and none of the unions are able to discipline their member drivers,” Kumar added.

AGNI has appealed to all Mumbaikars to extend their full support to this campaign. “One day’s sacrifice will only speak the language that taxi or autorickshaw auto drivers and their union leaders understand,” Kumar said.

Three advertising professionals Jaidev Rupani, Rachna Brar and Abhilash Krishnan launched the “Meter Jam” campaign Wednesday.

They have spread the message through social networking sites and have got an overwhelming response from around 10,000 Mumbaikars.

Their website has suggested to people to use the car pools system and have also provided information on various bus routes and alternative means of transport.