Radio taxis set to storm airports, cities in south

NEW DELHI: As a part of its ambitious expansion, Carzonrent India Private Limited plans to tap the market in south Indian cities by launching its popular radio taxi services.

"Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad are the immediate focus market for the company," said Rajiv K Vij, Managing Director Carzonrent India (P) Ltd, talking about the firm's foray into the Southern market.

The firm has bid for tenders floated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd and Bangalore International Airport to operate radio taxis. Both these airports will be operational in the first quarter of 2008.

Carzonrent, which is the sole licensee for Hertz International in India, had launched the Easy Cab services with 350 radio taxis in the national Capital in December 2006.

"We are planning to hit the road with a fleet of 1000 easy cabs each at both these airports," Vij said adding that firm had earmarked Rs 100 crore to buy these cabs that are fitted state-of-the-art technology like GPRS technology, digital fare meters and thermal printers for issuing bill.

Besides operating in these airports, Carzonrent is also planning to serve the locals in both cities. "We plan to introduce around 500 easy cabs each in these cities", said Sakshi Vij, marketing manager, who had toured the South recently to ascertain market potential in both the cyber cities.

A recruitment drive is on to induct 7000 chauffeurs who will serve in these two cities. To make the ride in the easy cabs a pleasant experience all the selected chauffeurs are being subjected to written, spoken, attitude, psychology, road knowledge and behaviour.

In Chennai, the firm is planning to launch 250 radio taxis initially in the New Year. Modelled on the lines of Yellow Cabs in New York, the USA, and Comfort Cabs in Singapore, Easy cabs is also offering swipe machines for payments through credit cards. For this purpose, Easy Cabs has tied up with ICICI bank.
Vij, who broke even with 10-12 per cent profitability after launching the service with 350 cabs in the Capital, is planning to strengthen the fleet in the city with 300 more such cabs. Pune and Jaipur will be other second- tier cities where the firm plans to set its foot soon.

http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEB20071227141820&Page=B&Headline=Radio+taxis+set+to+storm+airports%2C+cities+in+south&Title=Business&Topic=0