TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: The notoriety of its transport system and allegations of fleecing by taxi and auto drivers, motorcycle pilots or bus operators appears to have prompted the state transport department to launch a toll-free 24×7 helpline to aid commuters to lodge complaints.
Similarly, the department is also planning on introducing a SMS Gateway by which citizens need not visit any of its offices to know the status of their application regarding registration of vehicles since an SMS would be sent to the citizen automatically when their application is approved. Both the above will function from July.
Speaking to media persons, Director Transport Arun Desai said that so far there has been no specific helpline number from which commuters can lodge complaints. They have to call the respective RTO office or the regional office.
Desai said that at the backdrop of gang rape in Delhi in December last year, Central government has urged respective governments to have helpline numbers for public transport system, for which incentives would be provided.
“We have requested for a six digit number from Directorate of Information Technology,” he said.
When asked as to how many challans have been issued by department against cabbies charging exorbitant fees, Director said ‘so far nothing, as we have not received any complaints’.
“People don’t approach authorities, they just make noise,” he said. The taxi operators, especially tourist taxis are accused of charging unfair fares.
Speaking about the SMS facility, he said all information concerning registered vehicles can be received through SMS by sending a SMS request in the prescribed format.
