Cabbies, Bus Drivers: Why Fine Us Too If Passengers Flout Covid Rules?

Cabbies and private bus associations are fuming over the new state guidelines, imposing an additional fine on drivers and owners of transport agencies if a passenger in their vehicle is found not adhering to Covid appropriate behaviour. Meanwhile, Mumbai police have stepped up checks on streets to penalise motorists and bikers not found wearing masks.

- Somit Sen & Nitasha Natu

Mumbai: The new guidelines issued by the state on November 27 say any individual not following Covid-appropriate behaviour will be fined Rs 500 for each such instance. If a default is found inside a taxi, private transport car or bus, then the driver, conductor or helper providing the service will also be fined Rs 500. The owner (transport agency), in case of buses, will be fined Rs 10,000 for each instance. Frequent defaults will lead to withdrawal of licence or closure of operations for the owner agency till the notification remains in force.