Click to play videoMumbai: The black and yellow Fiat taxis in Mumbai are now facing competition from newer and fancier cab services.
Hailing a cab at the end of a hard day's work can be punishing, especially if all you get in the end is a ride to hell and back in the regular twiddling black and yellow one.
However, a little extra money and some planning can get you a comfortable ride now.
But for that you'll need to dial a cab first, at least half an hour in advance for a ride in one of the fancy air-conditioned ones.
“I don't mind paying more, if I get to ride in comfort and if the service is systematized,” said Yasmin Nagaree a customer.
Such new taxis operate on GPS and GIS systems, basically satellite technology, which help locating a taxi closest to a customer resulting in efficient service.
But these cabs come at a premium when compared to the regular ones.
Whereas the old black and yellow cab starts at Rs 13 and costs Rs 8.50 per km, the latest entrant – the Maruti Esteems run by V-Link will set you back Rs 15 to begin with and then Rs 13per km.
“We also plan to have pre-paid, post-paid cards, we'll start accepting credit cards, mobile payments, have a PCO and an entertainment system with pre-ordered menu and courier services,” said Fulora Foundation Managing Trustee Arun Sabnis.
Convenience being the buzzword and it looks like there's a taxi for everyone – music-lovers, women, tourists and even the differently-abled.
And of course for those short on time, there's always the fall-back option the die-hard black and yellow cab.
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