Cabs must install fibreglass partition: Karnataka transport department

BENGALURU: The state transport department has instructed cab aggregators, including Ola and Uber, and traditional taxi owners to install fibreglass partitions in the cars. The move will protect both drivers and passengers from potential infection risk.
“Fibreglass partitions are easy to install and not much expensive. This will ensure more safety for drivers and passengers. It is requested to follow all precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in all the vehicles operating under your control and also to instruct them (drivers) to install the fibreglass partition,” transport commissioner N Shivakumar wrote to major taxi operators in Karnataka last week.TOI has a copy of the communication.
Some taximen in the city have already put up plastic barriers between the driving seat and the passenger section. This is the first time the transport department has formally conveyed the requirement to all operators.
K Radhakrishna Holla, owner of Cauvery Cars, was among the first cab operators in Bengaluru to install plastic sheets. “It’s been done in 25 cars so far. Each partition cost Rs 2,700. Corporate clients are asking for these barriers to ensure the safety of their employees. Many drivers are now installing fibreglass partitions,” he said.
Cabbie Manjunath S said taxi aggregators should provide the sheets to all drivers without any charge. “They can put up their logo or advertisements on it. Most drivers had no business for over two months and cannot afford to spend around Rs 3,000 on partitions,” he said.
Ola and Uber representatives were not available for comments.
In its latest guidelines, the transport department has said only two passengers can sit in the rear section of the cab. The seat next to the driver must be kept vacant. “Customers must mandatorily wear masks, while drivers should wear masks and gloves at all times. The windows should be kept open and air-conditioning should be avoided. The cleaning of vehicles after every ride is to be ensured for safety,” its letter states.
C Sampath, general secretary, Adarsh Autorickshaw Taxi Drivers’ Union, said many auto drivers had also started putting up fibreglass partitions.
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