Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Tuesday, Aug 26, 2003
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Tuesday, Aug 26, 2003 |
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Logistics
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Trends Bike taxi service hits Kochi roads Sajeev Kumar V.
A two-wheeler taxi with passenger in Kochi. - K.K. Mustafah
Kochi, Aug. 25 THE introduction of two-wheeler taxi service launched here by the Kochi-based Top Gear Rent - a-Bike has received overwhelming response from the public. Since its launch on August 22, more commuters are coming forward to avail the bike taxi service as it is compared to be a cheap mode of transport, said Mr Miju C. Modiu, Proprietor of the company. Kochi is the first city in Kerala to launch a service like this. Goa is the only other State in India which has a bike taxi service, he added. The bike taxi service would be faster and comfortable than any other mode of transport. The drivers are fully trained to carryout the rides by wearing uniforms for easy identification. The pillion riders would be provided with helmets during the drive. Latest models of bikes such as Enticer and Passion have been introduced to ferry customers. Regarding the fares, Mr Modiu said that it would be much less than the normal auto fares. It was decided to charge Rs 4 per km and the bikes were equipped with trip metres. Moreover, both the driver and the pillion rider are insured for a sum of Rs 1 lakh. At present, the company has introduced five bikes which would be stationed at the Jos Junction in the city. There were also plans to introduce a fleet of 10 imported bikes soon in the city, Mr Moidu said. Meanwhile, some of the auto drivers have protested against the introduction of the ervice saying that the potential increase in the number of this service would affect their livelihood. However, he countered their argument and said, "We had informed the auto drivers in the city that the service will not pose a threat to them as the bike taxis can only carry one passenger during a single ride that too without cargo".
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