CHENNAI: The air passengers at Chennai airport are being forced to part with extra money by taxi drivers, much above the fixed fare. Sources said several complaints in this regard were recorded from foreign tourists and passengers from other states in the recent past.
Around 30,000 arrivals on average are recorded daily at the airport here, many of whom depend on taxi services to reach their destinations. According to passengers, drivers first agree on a fare but later demand extra at the drop-off point. Foreign tourists are the most targeted, they said.
A passenger from Delhi recently took to social media after he was forced to pay Rs 300 extra for a ride to Maraimalai Nagar. Following this, officials banned the private taxi firm driver from airport trips for one month.
Passengers said not everyone files complaints, which is why such incidents are increasing. Although a prepaid taxi union with more than 300 taxis operates at the airport under government monitoring, unauthorised cars, including private white board vehicles, often enter the premises late at night and early morning during the peak hours and charge higher fares.
Taxi drivers with official permits said more police checks are needed, and passengers should use only authorised taxis. The passengers, in turn, demand that the prepaid taxi booking counter, removed two years ago, be restored inside the arrivals hall.
Officials said action is taken whenever complaints are received, and once expansion works are over, the prepaid counter will be reintroduced inside the arrivals terminal.