Mumbai:
"A year back, I was travelling by the old Fiat Padmini taxi and the door got jammed. I almost fell out as the driver took a sharp turn," recalls Diana Michael, 25, a copywriter. From that day, she decided to take the new, upgraded taxis.
Michael isn't alone. Many prefer the new taxis - Maruti Altos, WagonRs, Omnis, Tata Indicas, Santros - as they are not only comfortable but also better looking.
The black and yellow Fiat Padminis in Mumbai are an integral part of the city's heritage and many Mumbaikars have fond memories of them. The authorities plan to phase out old cars and bring in newer, more fuel efficient variants.
Raj Bhide, who has been driving a taxi for over 20 years, shifted from a Fiat to an Omni a year back as it was what passengers preferred. "If given a choice, one is bound to go for something which looks better and makes less noise," Bhide said.
The everyday struggle to catch a taxi in the city may not leave you with much of an option. But the new fleet is what everyone, especially the GenX wants.
"The craze for Padminis is going down with the new lot coming in. Also, there are the likes of Meru cabs that have an excellent service. They are not only fast but are environment-friendly too," says Sahil Shah, a 22-year-old, account manager.
Looks do matter, but in the city's congested and pothole-ridden roads, a car's stability and performance matter a lot. The new taxis are less noisy and have a great pick-up.
But the old taxis have takers too. "People with luggage prefer the old taxis as they are sturdier," says Mohammed Sufiyan, a taxi driver of a Fiat Padmini.
"I travel by a taxi every day and don't mind taking any, unless I have time to spare. Why I prefer the new taxis is simple - they are well-maintained and more comfortable. What is better is the fact they have a better pick-up than the old rusty ones," says Jennifer Balsara, a 28-year-old customer relationship executive.
For Jaiveer Singh, a 34-year-old sales manager, the best part about the new taxis is that they have electronic meters.
"After the fare hike, it has become a problem and it is confusing to know the exact fare. Also, old meters can be tampered with, whereas electronic meters are easier to read and there are fewer chances of being duped."
The verdict is out: Passengers are all for upgradation of cabs in the city. It's time to kiss nostalgia goodbye and ring in the new, with swanky, more efficient taxis.