Staff Reporter

Mumbai | Instances of taxi drivers overcharging passengers near Lokmanya Tilak Terminus have long plagued commuters. However, recent reports indicate that the problem extends beyond mere fare discrepancies. Just two days ago, a Malayali couple visiting Mumbai faced an unfortunate ordeal at the hands of a deceitful taxi driver.

Arriving in Mumbai via the Netravati Express from Kerala on the evening of February 4, the couple, unfamiliar with the city, disembarked at LTT railway station and hailed a taxi to Goregaon. Little did they know, they were about to be swindled.

The taxi driver, exploiting their unfamiliarity, manipulated the fare, charging them an exorbitant amount, ten times more than the standard rate. Initially, the driver claimed the meter displayed a minimum charge of Rs 28. However, the couple soon noticed the meter was obscured with a cover.

Despite encountering minor traffic delays during the 19-kilometer journey, which took approximately 55 minutes, the couple's distress escalated upon reaching their destination. Upon removing the meter cover, the display showed an astonishing Rs. 1340.

Having little choice, the couple handed over Rs. 1500 in three Rs. 500 notes to the driver. However, the driver, taking advantage of the darkness, deceitfully claimed one of the notes was a Rs. 20 and demanded another Rs. 500 note in exchange. This scenario repeated twice more, resulting in the driver pocketing an additional Rs. 1500.

Realizing they had been duped, the couple promptly filed a complaint with the RTO, providing the car's registration number, MH 01 BT 8338, and retaining a photograph of the number plate as evidence.

Such scams, often perpetrated against travelers from other states who are unfamiliar with local customs and language, thrive under the cover of darkness. Instances of tampering with taxi meters to inflate fares have been reported previously in the area, highlighting the need for vigilant oversight and enforcement to protect unsuspecting commuters.