According to Delhi Transport Minister, Gopal Rai, this scheme will help overcome the shortage of taxis in the capital.
The Aam Aadmi Party government has launched City Taxi, a new scheme that will enable all cars with engines upto 600 cc to be registered as taxis, this will allow auto drivers to shift to low capacity vehicles like Mahindra Reva and Tata Nano to provide last mile connectivity for commuters in Delhi. Until now, only those vehicles which had capacity of 750cc or more were issued permits.
So no more puddle splashing your clothes in the monsoon, or the winter chill, and relief from the mucky pollution at the same basic fare of Rs 25 and then Rs 10 per kilometre. In comparison, auto-rickshaws charge Rs 8.50 per kilometre.
Transport minister Gopal Rai said, "There were taxi schemes like Radio Taxi Scheme in 2006 and Economy Taxi Scheme in 2010 in Delhi earlier but could not be successful. Present taxi services will be amalgamated in the new taxi scheme. Black and yellow taxi will be retained as it is and also All India Tourist Permit Taxi."
For security purposes two buttons are also being installed one for panic which will alert the cops, and another for a simple hooter, meant to attract immediate attention of bystanders.
What's more, just like the OLA and UBER cabs, individuals can get a registration under the city taxi scheme for Rs 5,000.
Licenses will be given to individuals, groups as well as the taxi aggregators. LCD display will be installed on top of the vehicles in green and red colour for availability and occupied category.
According to the state government, this scheme will help overcome the shortage of taxis. They will be white in colour, but it could take upto nearly six months for them to start operations in the capital.