Bengaluru: Taxis everywhere, give them bays for better traffic flow

Bengaluru: As Namma city grows exponentially, cab aggregators and taxi services too are growing to help meet consumer demand. Nowadays a number of taxis are seen parked at junctions, main roads and nearly anywhere where the drivers can find space.This has compounded traffic woes and resulted in regular traffic jams in various areas.

Manjesh Gowda has been driving taxis in Bengaluru for the past 13 years and for Uber for the past 2 years. He said he has seen the number of taxis grow over the years, but laments that the government has not made any arrangements for them to park in crowded areas.

“Auto drivers have stands; BMTC buses have stops so why can’t  taxi drivers have a separate parking place for our taxis. This would help in controlling chaotic traffic, while also giving us space to park our cars while we wait for a customer, or during breaks,” he opined.

Arthur drives an Ola auto during the day and moonlights as a waiter at local bar in Ramamurthy Nagar at night. He says taxi drivers park anywhere they can as they are overworked and there are no proper designated parking spots for them.

“I have seen many drivers park their cars at busy junctions and wait for customers. Unlike us auto drivers, who have designated stands where we can park our autos, taxi drivers aren’t that lucky. They have to park wherever they find space,” Arthur said.

Customers too aren’t happy with the way taxi drivers park their vehicles. “Cabs are parked everywhere these days including tight turning spots like the area in front of my shop,” says Mohan of Pavan medicals in Horamavu.

“I use cabs sometimes. I understand taxis are important and vital, but the taxi drivers must show civic sense and park in proper spots. What is sad is that despite seeing cab services grow, the state government has not made any arrangements such as providing a taxi stand or a bay where it is required,” he said. “Is such a demand too much to ask for!,” he wondered.