Radio Taxi has emerged as one of the important means of sophisticated transportation system in the valley of Kashmir. In an exclusive interview with the Kashmir Scenario, General Manager SNOW CABS Radio Taxi Service, Aasif kawoosa talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
How did the concept of starting Radio Taxi in Kashmir from your group emerge?
The concept emerged when our Director was travelling in Banghkok, Capital of Thailand. He was impressed by the Radio Taxi Service in that part of the world as chauffer could accurately drop a commuter at the intended place without knowing his or her language. We were also motivated after witnessing hefty charges being charged by the local taxis and other transport system in our part of the world.
How has response been so far?
The response has been overwhelming and it has simply been awesome.
What is your take on the grievances by 12000 local Taxi owners that Radio Taxis would leave them?
It is a good question. Let me ask you what your favorite dish is.
Journalist: Vegetarian.
Now if you are a vegetarian I cannot force you in a menu to have KFC Chicken. The business ethics demands that one should be able to compete and it looks quiet amusing that if they are 12,000 in number they are worried of our service which has just 50 cars in fleet.
One should be able to change business strategies in accordance with the needs of time which they are not.
What is your stand on the perception that Radio Taxis are costlier for shorter distances as compared to longer distances?
Yes if we compare it with Delhi it is bit costlier, but if you compare it with local taxis and Auto’s it is cheaper. We have been allowed to charge RS.25 by the government whereas our demand is RS.30.Even if we charge RS.35 we are still cheaper.
One more important thing how prices of oil are priced which is not in our hand and this is also a vital factor in determining the rates.
Your take on the system installed in Radio Taxis in Kashmir?
Our system is highly sophisticated. We have G-7 installed software which is only installed in Radio Taxis in Dubai .Our competition is with Dubai as we have maintained global standards. We have digital meters. In nutshell, Radio Taxi Service in Kashmir is of International Standard.
Did you plan to launch this service beyond Srinagar?
I have permission. But, we want to first cover with great efficiency the hundred percent limits of our Srinagar city and then move to other areas and even Jammu and hopefully pan India as well.
What are future plans?
Let me share with your medium that our 126 Volvo type buses have been approved which will be on global standard and have TV Facility and bathroom facilities which will change the dynamics of transport system in our part of the world.
Are you taking care of the environmental concerns in your business activity?
Yes, why not. I have to be Kashmiri first then entrepreneur and then to be an innovative person. We have fully installed sophisticated environmental friendly system.
What is the total human resource strength in your venture ?
Our current human resource is directly more than 100 including drivers. Indirectly more than 200, that may be maintenance related or petrol pumps.
How challenging is the bad condition of roads for your Radio Taxis?
It is quiet challenging. But we cannot have every facility overnight and we are in constant touch with administration and they are also cooperating and once the roads are in better condition we will also grow in a handsome fashion.
Your take on the standards offered by your service?
We have maintained international standards in our business activity. Our system is of global standards. The training we offer to our human resource is of international quality. The services and facilities we offer to our customers are of international quality.
What is your message to masses?
My message concerned with Radio Taxi would be “Take a ride and feel the difference” and give us the chance to serve.