Police launch initiative for taxi auto-rickshaw drivers' for positive tourist experience

New Delhi, Nov 20 (PTI) Delhi Traffic Police has launched an initiative focused on promoting professionalism among auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers at key locations such as the airport and railway stations in a bid to enhance the experience of visitors here, an official said on Wednesday.
     The initiative encourages the drivers to maintain proper attire and exhibit courteous behaviour, ensuring that tourists and travellers depart with a positive and lasting impression, the official said.
     A senior police officer said that this initiative was started from this month.
     "We conduct briefings where we specifically instruct the drivers on how to engage with the visitors in a respectful and professional manner. During these sessions, we emphasise the importance of wearing their uniforms correctly and maintaining a neat and presentable appearance," the officer said.
     "In addition, we remind them that their vehicles should be kept clean and well-maintained, with a pleasant smell to create a comfortable environment for the tourists. Most importantly, we stress that their behaviour should be polite, courteous and patient," he added.
     When a person visits Delhi, their first point of contact is often with auto-rickshaw or cab drivers. The way these drivers behave can significantly influence the visitor's perception of the city. If they interact courteously and professionally, the tourists are more likely to leave Delhi with a positive impression and a better overall experience, the officer said.
     The initiative aims to ensure that the city's first impression on the visitors is a good one, showcasing the warmth and hospitality of its people, the officer said, adding this initiative is being actively implemented at the airport, railway station and areas near the Parliament, and the response is overwhelmingly positive.
     According to the police, they also issue challans to the drivers who do not wear their dress while driving in the city.
     As of November 4 this year, a total of 4,481 challans have been issued to the taxi drivers and 384 to the auto-rickshaw drivers in the New Delhi range for plying without uniforms.
     In comparison, during the same period in 2023, the numbers were higher, with 5,106 challans issued to the taxi drivers and 1,012 to the auto-rickshaw drivers, they said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)