FOR A FARE RIDE - Transport department revamping its website to make it of utility to public: Times of India

Mumbai: The transport department is in the process of revamping its website to make it more citizen-friendly . To begin with, it will have an online complaint system for commuters.

At present, one can lodge online complaints only on the traffic police's website. But now one will be able to go to the `grievance' section on mahatranscom.in and lodge a complaint against an errant autorickshaw or taxi driver.

One's complaint should have details such as the vehicle's registration number, the date, time and place of offence, and one's name, email ID and contact number. Sources said complaints will be treated on priority and will be forwarded to the respective RTO--Tardeo (island city), Andheri (western suburbs), Borivli (far-flung western suburbs) or Wadala (eastern suburbs)--for prompt action.

Thus, one will have an alternative system to lodge a complaint instead of just depending on the toll-free number 1800-22-0110. Complaints or suggestions can also be given for the licence and prosecution sections of the RTO.

The refurbished website also promises to facilitate direct communication between the transport commissioner and citizens. “It will have a section on latest news--which will be public announcements and any new policy introduced by transport chief Sonia Sethi,“ said an official. “There will be a separate helpdesk section for citizens.“

The helpdesk will help you download various forms required at RTO for licencescar registrations. The forms will be available in both English and Ma rathi. “Citizens will be educated on various fees and RTO procedures for learner licence, permanent licence, renewal of licence, duplicate licence, addition of another class of vehicles to driving licence, and how to get interna tional driving licence or register a new vehicle.

If one wants to know about the various share auto and taxi routes in one's neighbourhood one's neighbourhood and office area, one can go to the section on share auto-taxi, where fares too are mentioned.

One can also get the latest tariff cards for autos and taxis and use them while travelling to ensure that meters are not rigged. The website displays rates for both CNGand petrol driven public transport vehicles.

One section will help one practice for the learner licence test. There is also a link for taking on line appointments for learner and permanent driving licences.