Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (SHP)

Mumbai, Aug 15: Over 918 auto-rickshaw drivers had their licenses revoked following the orders of Maharasthra Transport Department. The reason for the revocation was stated as refusing fare.

Transport commissioner Shekhar Channe launched a drive under which 918 auto-rickshaw drivers lost their licenses for refusing fare in last few months in cities of Mumbai and Thane.

Earlier when licenses were revoked, drivers would buy a separate license under a different name benefitting from the loopholes in the old system. At present every operation is carried out online due to which drivers will find it difficult to procure another license in any other name anywhere in the country.

In an astounding figure around 12,342 licenses were suspended by the regional transport office (RTO) for violating traffic rules in last six months. Out of this, licenses of 918 drivers, particularly from areas like Kurla, Bandra, Bandra- Kurla Complex (BKC) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Mumbai and neighbouring Thane city, were retracted for refusing fare. According to assistant regional transport officer, Tanaji Chavan, 19 special squads were formed to track the drivers following complaints from several commuters.

Admiring the move, a commuter said, "These auto-rickshaw drivers deserve such an action." Meanwhile, Auto-Rickshaw Men's Union leader Shashank Rao stated that authorities should be lenient with first-time offenders and claimed that most of the cases were unlikely to be genuine.