Since childhood, Mumbaikers have known that a part of their city’s essence lies in the kaali peelis that transport people. These taxis have become iconic and symbolise the fast pace life of Mumbai, the city that never sleeps. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic did put a screeching halt in Maharashtra and to the Kaali Peelis. But now, we have some good news, so hop in, the meter’s running! Mumbai now has COVID ready taxis for the safety of both passengers and drivers. These taxis shall have plastic isolation screens, hand sanitisers and much more.
COVID Ready Taxis Lace Mumbai Roads
The NGO, United Way Mumbai (UWM), Mumbai Taximen’s Union and Wadala RTO launched the project ‘Covid Ready Taxi’. This project aims to keep the cab drivers and Mumbaikers of the city safe. Accordingly, 150 cabs are to be COVID-19 ready through this pilot project. Also, the taxi drivers shall get training on preventive measures for supervising the transmission of coronavirus while on service. UWM’s Ajay Govale stated to TOI that ‘COVID Ready Taxi’ is also oriented on the various rules of road safety.
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Govale stated to TOI, “We are planning to equip 150 black and yellow cabs to be Covid-19 ready through this pilot project. The activities include sanitisation of the cab, installation of plastic isolation screen which separates the driver from the commuters, provision of Covid readiness kit that has reusable 6 layer face masks (3 masks), surface disinfectant spray (2 bottles), 1.5-litre hand pump spray bottle (1 bottle), 5 litre can of hand sanitizer, microfiber cloth for cleaning the cab and handwashing paper soaps (10 strips).”
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Mumbai’s COVID Ready Taxis Have Plastic Isolation Screens & Stickers To Educate Passengers
Officials installed isolation screens inside the taxis, keeping the safety of drivers in mind. Drivers received sanitisers, disinfectants, masks for safety and hygiene purposes. Speaking about this initiative, Taximen’s Union secretary Anthony Quadros said to TOI that around 30 of the total 150 cabs are already back on the road. Also, these taxis will have stickers to educate passengers about the key do’s and don’ts for preventing virus transmission.
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The drivers also have a lot of praises for this initiative. Suryakumar Mishra, a taxi driver said, “We were guided about the basics of how Coronavirus spreads and transmits. The isolation screens also give a sense of confidence to the passengers on the rear seat.” Another driver, Ramesh Nath, said the anti-COVID-19 kits will be very useful. “I am sure more Mumbaikars will take kaali peelis because of this element of fresh air as not all taxis are air-conditioned. With the preventive kit, we shall also remain safe,” he added. Well, until you can roam freely in your city, go on a virtual tour of Vasai through this video.