Commuters stranded as Kolkata taxis go on indefinite strike

Commuters stranded as Kolkata taxis go on indefinite strike

                                                                                       

COMMUTERS were left stranded and harried Thursday as Kolkata's taxis stayed off the roads again after their unions called an indefinite strike to press for a fare hike and to protest "police excesses".

This is the eighth taxi strike in the city since August. To add to the woes of the commuters, transport workers affiliated to eight central trade unions, including the Centre of Indian Trade Unions(CITU). Indian National Trade Union Congress and All India Trade Union Congress(AITUC). havecalled a transport strike on Friday to express solidarity with the cabbies.

Thursday's strike called by CITU and AITUC resulted in hundreds of cabbies pulling their vehicles off the roads. Lengthy queues were seen in front of auto-rickshaw and cycle-rickshaw stands while buses plied al full capacity. Private car operators made a killing as travellers and tourists had no option but to pay a hefty fare even for small distances.

Tourists made a beeline for the new private taxi services launched in the city earlier this month.

The heat and humidity compelled many commuters to opt for air-conditioned buses despite their comparatively higher fares. Among others, cab unions also put forth their demand to drop legal proceedings against 450 taxis.

Posted in: News 2014