Protesters boycott taxis, autorickshaws
Citizens are angry about harassing drivers, faulty meters and drivers who refuse to ply on certain routes
Mumbai: Hundreds of Mumbaikars, especially youngsters, joined in the Meter Jam campaign yesterday to boycott taxis and autorickshaws who refuse to ply on certain routes and use faulty meters.
This unusual drive has got the nod of commuters who are often harassed by taxi and auto drivers charging them exorbitant fares or refusing to travel to certain areas.
Moreover, rudeness is often to be dealt by passengers who have no option but to bear the anger or irritation of drivers. To show it was time that people would not take any more of this nonsense, three eager-minded advertising professionals—Rachana Brar, Jaidev Rupani and Abhilash Krishnan, set off a campaign that has got thousands of supporters on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.
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The trio says, "Sitting idle, commenting on internet forums or complaining forever are things we don't do. So, we're doing right now what we feel needs to be done, hoping for your complete support!" Their novel idea has inspired youngsters in other metropolises where auto and taxi drivers habitually take commuters for an expensive ride.
They already have over 35,000 supporters on their website and 20,000 on Facebook. Whilst encouraging supporters to offer carpool and bikepool services, they have also cautioned those availing this facility to be careful. Posters, car stickers, badges and placards today showed how they were attracting a strong base among the youth.
The Jammers' code is simple, they emphasise: Jammers will not force others to do the same, are non-violent, law-abiding citizens who will never vandalise public property and will display promotional posters only after getting permission to do so. "Jammers are responsible citizens who will help stranded commuters if needed and will not inconvenience the public in any way by gathering in large groups or chanting slogans."
Their methods of protest has already drawn the attention of the state government which has called for a crackdown on drivers who refuse to take passengers or rig up their meters.
Though this unique protest has received a good response, A.C. Quadros, President of the Taximen's Union, says, "The agitation has been a total flop. Both autos and taxis have been plying with customers as usual. Most supporters of Meter Jam are students."
