Time to crack down on fake cab aggregators

Touts approach passengers near the kiosks at Mumbai airport

Commuters at the Mumbai airport have complained that cab aggregator pick-up points have been taken over by anti-social elements who are overcharging for rides, a report in this paper said. The aggregator drivers professed helplessness pointing to authorities who they feel should respond to their complaints and stamp out the menace.

A commuter has detailed how she was hoodwinked at the airport by some people claiming to be from an aggregator company. Finally, she had to pay double the fare. More worrying is the fact that bona fide aggregators claim that some of these impersonators, which itself is a crime, have vehicles that have no safety equipment for passengers. Drivers are illegal and unverified. Some of these drivers do not have a valid licence too, they have claimed.

This is an alarming situation and even that is an understatement. Strict vigil and action must be taken. We anticipate some kind of crackdown as this report has shone a light on this dangerous and criminal situation. Fleecing passengers is one aspect but driving without papers escalates this to another level.

One must also keep in mind that the airport is the first step inside a city for tourists, whether from India or overseas. When your first experience is unsavoury whether it be safety or even having to pay an astronomical and illegal fare, it is hugely unfortunate as first impressions are lasting ones. It may colour the tourist's perception of the city, even before he experiences it.

Even if there are no tourists, locals lugging baggage from the airport, disembarked at odd hours, are simply looking for a way to get to their destination as soon as possible, and will take the available mode of transport. A thorough investigation and most importantly ongoing action is the way to tackle this deadly scenario.