Page 760 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

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Local Transport in Cities rate per kilometre. Night charges
are 25 per cent higher than day
Transport options vary from city to city. Most large cities fares, and payment is extra for
have reliable bus, taxi and auto-rickshaw services. The luggage. Drivers are notorious for
main cities also have suburban trains that provide speedy over-charging passengers. The
connections to areas within city limits. Delhi has a reliable, most common argument is that
the meter is not working. It is
extensive Metro service, and other cities are now building best to negotiate firmly in
their own Metro networks. There is a variety of other advance, and to insist on seeing
transport available, especially in the smaller towns and in the tariff chart. You can also
the old quarters of cities, where it is better to opt for a small, negotiate a flat rate before
light vehicle to cut through narrow congested lanes. Cycle- getting in. Carry some small
coins, as drivers often claim not
rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, vikrams (larger versions of auto- to have change. They are also
rickshaws), tempos and jeeps can be found in most cities. prone to taking you via a long
route, so, if possible, try to find
out the best route to take.
Taxis and Auto-Rickshaws than taxis, but be prepared for
Yellow-topped black taxis operate some hair-raising drives – they
in most cities except Kolkata, love squeezing between buses. Buses
where they are completely In Delhi and Mumbai, the anti- Though city bus networks are
yellow, and Bengaluru, where pollution drive has seen the very extensive, travelling by
they are totally black. These introduction of vehicles run these buses is not a pleasant
metered taxis can be on Compressed Natural experience. Unable to cope with
hailed in the street Gas (CNG). Taxis and the large numbers of commuters,
or hired from local autos that have buses are over crowded, and you
taxi stands. They con verted to will have to battle your way to
are available for CNG usage have even buy your ticket from the
point-to-point a green band conductor. Buses that are full
service or for across the rarely stop at bus stops, which
a fixed rate usual yellow- are usually seen full of waiting
for half a day, An auto-rickshaw, cheap, fast and and-black body. commuters. Drivers are known
which is four sometimes hair-raising All new autos for their reckless driving. Even the
hours or 40 km run on CNG and so-called luxury buses drive at
(25 miles); or a full day, which is are painted yellow and green, break-neck speed. Unless
eight hours or 80 km (50 miles). instead of yellow and black. absolutely necessary, it is best to
The Ambassador once the use some other form of transport.
favourite model, has given way Fares and Meters
to hatchbacks, sedans, multi-
utility vehicle (MUVs) and All autos have meters, though Suburban Trains
and Metro Rails
sports-utility vehicle (SUVs). fares fluctuate according to the
Private cabs (most of which price of fuel. Often, meters are Mumbai has the best suburban
are air conditioned) are usually not updated, and drivers are train network in India, providing
white in colour, and are also required by law to carry a rate efficient and affordable
available at most of the regular (tariff) chart listing both the old connections. However, it is
taxi stands. In some cities, there and current fare, based on the extremely overcrowded, and
are no yellow-topped taxis,
but private taxis can be hired
from agencies or hotels. Radio
cabs have been introduced
in some cities such as Delhi
and Mumbai; these are more
expensive than ordinary cabs,
because they are air conditioned.
Uber and Ola Cabs are
application-based services that
can be accessed in big cities
through mobile phones.
The ubiquitous auto-
rickshaws (popularly called
autos, scooters or phat-phats)
are the most common mode
of transport in most places.
Autos are more economical Modern, low-floor buses on the busy streets of Delhi

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