I am writing with regard to the report “Uber banned in New Delhi after alleged rape by driver” (Dec. 9). Radio taxis are in demand in India because the ordinary black and yellow cabs are not preferred by the people who can afford to pay and want good service. These black and yellow cabs demand a fare that is more than is indicated on the meter and they often refuse to take passengers on one pretext or another. The recent abhorrent crime has raised the issue of the safety of passengers using the taxi-hailing services provided by different radio taxi operators. Passengers have a right to know details, such as the qualifications of the driver and the GPS tracking system. Regulatory authorities need to tighten the screws on radio taxi operators as the safety of passengers is vital. Women taxi drivers is one possible solution. Some NGOs can provide women chauffeurs, and the Delhi police can train them in self-defense. In Mumbai, there are women bus conductors in BEST buses. Even state transport corporations can start radio taxi services exclusively for women and later extend it to male passengers. Deendayal M. Lulla, Mumbai
