MUMBAI: Action will now be taken against taxi and autorickshaw drivers who refuse passengers for a higher fare. The Mumbai Police Joint Commissioner of Traffic, Rajyavardhan Sinha, has issued a circular in this regard. He has ordered all in-charge police inspectors to take action under Section 178 (3) of the Motor Vehicle Act against rickshaw and taxi drivers who refuse fares. Boards will be put up outside railway and bus stations to create public awareness regarding this.

It has been observed many times that complaints are received from passengers to the traffic police about rickshaw and taxi drivers often refusing the nearest fare to get long distance fares. At the monthly review meeting of the Mumbai Police, the Inspector-in-Charge of Police has been ordered by the Joint Commissioner of Traffic Police to take action against rickshaw taxi drivers who refuse fares. On receipt of complaints of refusal of fare, immediate action has been directed against the concerned rickshaw and taxi drivers.