Protesters present "Roses" to Bengal Transport Minister in a symbolic protest against removal of Yellow Taxis in Kolkata

The iconic yellow metered taxis of Kolkata, once a symbol of the city's vibrant transport system, are on the verge of disappearing. In a desperate attempt to save their livelihoods and the legacy of yellow taxis, around 10,000 taxi drivers, their families, and vehicle enthusiasts are set to send an open letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. They will also present roses to Transport Minister Snehasish Chakraborty as a symbolic protest against the state’s alleged negligence toward the industry.

Pramod Pandey, the state president of INTUC and leader of the taxi wing, has raised concerns about the drastic decline in the number of yellow taxis. “The numbers have plummeted from 25,000 in 2019-20 to just 8,500 in 2023, and by next April, this figure could drop even further,” Pandey warned. To amplify their message, protestors have also designed a New Year greeting card to spread awareness and urge citizens to support the movement to save yellow taxis.

Pandey criticized the state government, alleging its inaction in addressing the challenges faced by yellow taxi drivers. "The transport department has not revised fares since 2016, leaving drivers struggling to cope with rising fuel prices and inflation. The government has nearly disabled the metered taxi system, making it unsustainable," he remarked.

One of the primary issues raised by Pandey is the advent of app-based cab services, which have captured a significant share of the transport market. Most elderly taxi drivers, unfamiliar with technology, are unable to adapt to app-based platforms, further marginalizing them in the competitive landscape.

The symbolic protest, planned for this week, aims to garner attention to the plight of these drivers and compel the government to take corrective measures. Pandey emphasized the need for immediate fare revisions, subsidies, and support mechanisms to revive the struggling yellow taxi ecosystem.

The protest has already sparked conversations among city residents, with many expressing solidarity with the drivers. Citizens have pointed out that Kolkata’s yellow taxis are not just a mode of transport but an integral part of the city’s heritage. The future of these taxis now lies in the hands of the state government and its willingness to address the crisis.