Cab to Noida is expensive

NEW DELHI: People travelling in Delhi''s yellow-top taxis pay an exorbitant sum as fares to destinations in the satellite township of Noida.
The reason for the steep fare is a move by the Noida administration, three months back, under which all taxis entering the township from Delhi are charged an entry fee.
"The move is uncalled for. The matter was brought to our notice by taxi-operators and commuters," said transport minister Ajay Maken.
Taxis pay Rs 250 at the various entry points to the satellite city.People from airports and railway stations have been finding it extremely difficult to reach Noida after authorities started charging extra fees from the taxi-driver.
There are about 3,100 yellow-top taxis in the city. Ever since entry fees are being charged, many taxis have started refusing passengers headed for Noida. "The passengers don''t believe that we have to pay such fees and refuse to pay the exorbitant fares," said Jatin Singh, a taxi driver.
The matter was recently brought to the notice of the transport commissioner and minister when a delegation of taxi-operators met them. The transport commissioner is likely to meet the UP transport chief next week.
Taxi-operators said they can reach Noida - without paying the entry fees - if they take the Noida toll bridge. "It is a thoroughfare if one pays the toll tax and enters the township," said a taxi-operator.
Now taxi operators try to sneak in through back-alleys and bribe local policemen, if caught, officials said. "Such high entry fees and high taxi fares will make people use personal transport," Maken said.
Delhi government is looking at finalising an agreement on taxis, on the basis of reciprocal fees. "We have agreements at the inter-state level on a reciprocal basis, in the matter of buses. An agreement on taxis might now be the need of the hour," transport commissioner, Sindhushree Khullar said.
She said the National Capital Regional Planning Board is in the process of forming a common transport zone in the region. "The common zone for transportation will provide succour to the commuters in the city and adjoining areas," she said.