Maruti Udyog launches 'cool cabs' in Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 16: Mumbaikars can soon expect to beat the heat, as State Finance Minister Mr Jayant Patil presented the keys of the first batch of air-conditioned 'cool cabs' launched by Maruti Udyog and Fortpoint Automative.

Painted blue and white and priced at Rs 5.1 Lakhs, 50 'cool cabs' including the 11 presented at the launch have been booked with a further 200 to be made available by the year end.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Jayant Patil said, ''Taxi drivers are important ambassadors of the city. This function is not only for Maruti or the taxi union, but for Mumbai as the improvement will be felt by the common man.'' He also urged the taxi operators to maintain their professionalism and the trust and confidence of their customers. Mr Patil also promised to look into the matter of the professional tax paid by the drivers and informed them of various provisions.

At present Mumbai has 55,000 taxis out of which only 5,000 are air-conditioned.

UNI