Taxi drivers fleece air passengers

Taxi drivers fleece air passengers
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: The Karnataka bandh on Wednesday proved costly for air passengers as they had to shell out almost double the regular tariff for taxis from HAL airport.

The private taxis which operated through out the day irrespective of the bandh did brisk business as passengers have no other option.

Many passengers preferred using their own transports and some arrived at the airport hours before the scheduled time to be on safer side.

Taxis which usually charge Rs 150 to ferry from Airport were seen demanding over Rs 250 from the passengers. The parking fees also went up by Rs 10 making vehicle owners shell out more then the usual cost on token.

Dr T N Ghosh, who was heading to Kolkata by the noon flight, had occupied his seats in waiting lounge from 11 am. “We were coming from Mysore. We were advised to reach airport early, in case of any violence during bandh,” he said.

Judith Pekol from Germany who was residing in City Hotel with her friend, reached airport at 7 am.

“We reached by an autorickshaw in the morning provided by the Hotel. Not much difference was felt here due to strike,” she said.

Sandesh Rajvanshi, who arrived from Mumbai had a friend to pick him up home. “We were not sure of public transport. So I had informed people at home for a pick up,” he said.