Panic button by cab operators a must by January 15 - Times of India

MUMBAI: The transport department has given fleet and taxi aggregators in the metropolitan region till January 15 to install a panic button in all cabs, set up distress helpdesks and control rooms to track cab movements, and provide helplines and cellphone app-based emergency services.

Almost all radio cab and taxi aggregator firms have submitted their list of security features and suggestions to the transport commissioner's office, the deadline for which is December 31. The transport department now wants the firms to implement the security features, for which "a fortnight is more than enough", said a senior official.

"Every company will have to comply with the directives by January 15 or face suspension of licence. Our flying squads will be on the road to ensure action in the face of non-compliance," said the official. "The directives have been issued in the larger interest of passengers, especially for the safety of women commuters."

Meanwhile, in a first, Uber has agreed to go for police verification for all drivers, establish local customer support centres and install a special button in taxis to allow a passenger to send the details of the trip (including GPS tracking information, and the driver's name, photograph and licence number) to family members and friends.

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