MUMBAI: A group of citizens from Mahim have come together with an unique plan to tackle the menace of Kaali Peeli taxi drivers refusing to ply short distances. They have decided to boycott taxis and instead push for BEST to introduce circular bus routes with the new AC Mini buses in Mahim area.
Civic activist Irfan Machiwala said, "Due to short distance, Kaali Peeli drivers have been refusing scores of local residents who are now frustrated. We have therefore petitioned the BEST to introduce new bus services so that we are not stranded on the road anywhere. The buses will cover some of the prominent routes in the area."
He further said that if Mini buses begin to operate in every lane and bylane, the taxis can no longer have a monopoly in the area.
The idea for circular bus routes was put on paper after study conducted by local resident Zafar Khan, ALM secretary, Dargah Street.
He said, "We have petitioned the BEST and requested them to start bus services (AC Mini buses preferably) on the ring route -- from Mahim Station." This will go via Senapati Bapat Marg through Sitaladevi temple road, Victoria church on L J Road then take a right at Shobha restaurant on to SVS Marg reaching Hinduja hospital, Jain temple, Makdoom Shah Baba dargah, and then turning right at Damuanna Malvankar chowk towards St Michael church and to Mori Road towards K J Khilnani school and complete the route at Mahim station.
The BEST has responded to the petition and has forwarded the suggestion for new bus and bus route to its depot officials in Bandra-Mahim area for further action, sources said.
Machiwala further said, "We are determined to end the refusal menace by cabbies. The police have also supported us by conducting a few drives in the area lately to take action against rogue drivers. But the refusals continue. Hopefully, once the proposed circular bus services are started, residents will not have problems in commuting."