TIME TO SAY GOODBYE! "Once the Undisputed King of the Road"

Chandrakanta@2004

2024-12-06 20:07

Kolkata: The City of Culture, and Yellow Taxis

For decades, Kolkata's iconic yellow taxis ruled the streets, weaving through the city's vibrant lanes and offering seamless rides to residents and visitors alike. These taxis weren't just vehicles; they were symbols of the city's charm and bustling energy. But times have changed — app based cab services and shifting transport trends have reshaped the dynamics of Kolkata's transport system, challenging the legacy of these once-unstoppable icons.


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A beautiful yellow taxi 🚖 on the street of Kolkata


The Legacy of the Yellow Taxi

The yellow ambassador taxi is an incomparable symbol of Kolkata's charm and nostalgia. Introduced in the mid-20th century, these taxis have become synonymous with the city's identity. Affordable fares and widespread availability have made them the lifeline of the city's transport system. Whether commuting to work, visiting local markets or visiting landmarks like Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge, yellow taxis have been the go-to mode of transportation for Kolkatans. Despite their popularity, traditional taxis have been criticized over the years for issues such as old vehicles, refusal of rides and poor maintenance. These challenges have created opportunities for innovation in the transport sector.


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Yellow taxi is the king of the road before time


Rise of app-based cabs

The last decade has seen a significant change in Kolkata's taxi landscape with the rise of app-based cab services like Ola and Uber. With air-conditioned vehicles, GPS tracking and cashless payments, these services have provided a more convenient and reliable alternative to traditional taxis. Passengers now enjoy the flexibility of booking rides from their smartphones, receiving fare estimates and sharing their location for safety.

The entry of app-based services has forced traditional taxi operators to adapt. Some have modernized their fleets, introduced metered fares and even partnered with aggregators to stay relevant in the competitive market. However, not all have embraced these changes, leading to a decline in the dominance of the iconic yellow taxi.


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HM (Hindustan Motors) taxis are almost running out.


Previous Road

Kolkata's taxi sector is at a crossroads. While app-based services continue to proliferate, traditional taxis still hold emotional value for many Kolkatans. To stay relevant, the traditional taxi industry must innovate by adopting new technologies, improving service quality and upgrading their fleet.

Also I think Government initiatives to support this change, such as subsidies for electric vehicles and stricter controls on fare refusal, can help.


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