March 21, 2014
WB Transport Ministry planning to introduce SMS service for commuters
The state transport department is planning to introduce Short Messaging Service (SMS) facility to the passengers regarding any grievance against the transport system in the city.
Passengers will be able to lodge complaints against errant auto and taxi drivers now by sending an SMS. The facility will be introduced free of cost. The department will introduce a four-digit toll free number for sending the SMS.
A control room will be opened at Paribahan Bhavan to receive the complaints. Senior transport department officials will ask police, officials of the Public Vehicles Department and Regional Transport Authority to take immediate steps after receiving such complaints. The system will be introduced within a few months, State Transport Minister Madan Mitra said.
Passengers will receive a complaint number from the transport department after sending the SMS. They, then, have to note down the vehicle number of taxi drivers who refuse to ferry passengers or those who demand excess fare.
The department will cancel registration numbers, license of errant taxi drivers. Commuters can also suggest ways and means how to improve the transport system in the city by sending an SMS.
