This Article is From Sep 07, 2010

No autos, taxis on Mumbai roads today

Mumbai: Over one lakh auto rickshaws and thousands of taxis across the city went on strike today in protest against the price rise of essential commodities.

A few city-based taxi and auto rickshaw unions have decided to lend support to the nationwide strike.

"The government must realise that common man is burdened with rising prices of essential commodities like vegetables, oil and others. There is a phenomenal increase in inflation. To protest against this about two lakh automen and thousands of taximen will go off the streets today," Mumbai Auto Rickshaw Union president Sharad Rao said.

Demanding a hike in fares, 1,800 drivers of the Meru fleet cabs went on a strike since last evening.

"We have suspended our services today. As few people were resorting to violence in the interest of safety of our drivers and commuters. We are in constant talks with the government over the issue," Meru Cabs, vice president, Gavin Dabreo said.

Operations of the BEST buses, State Transport buses and local trains remained unaffected.
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