Mumbaikars’ long wait for comfortable and hassle-free radio cabs may soon end with SMS Taxi Cabs Private Limited launching its brand new fleet of Toyota Etios sedans. SMS Taxi Cabs, a wholly owned subsidiary of SMS Infrastructure Limited of Nagpur launched TAB Cabs, a phone-fleet cab service, in Mumbai. Initially, 200 cabs were rolled out today and another 1,400 will be added, making it a fleet of 1,600 cabs by end of March 2012.
The company has been awarded licenses for a total of 4,000 phone fleet taxis by Government of Maharashtra through a first time tender for phone fleet taxis, wherein government will earn revenue of 104 Crores. These 4,000 cabs will be rolled out gradually. The fleet will comprise of Toyota Etios sedans initially and subsequently, many more luxury segment brands will be added. With more than 4,000 cabs, TAB Cabs will be the largest fleet run by a private player in India. Customers can dial 63636363 to hire a Tab Cab. The service is available in Mumbai and the neighboring Thane and Raigad districts, covering the MMRTA Region.
Announcing the Mumbai launch, Prasenjeet Bagchi, CMO SMS Taxicabs Pvt. Ltd. said, “With TAB Cabs, we aim to take the first step towards introducing luxury cab services in India at affordable prices. In time, we will introduce services with a fleet of more luxurious cars. We will expand services to other Indian cities in the next three years. We are also looking at overseas destinations like Bangkok, Colombo and Kathmandu.”
TAB Cab has deployed the most updated technology platform that will greatly reduce the booking v/s delivery turnaround time for customers. It will also minimize the response time for customer calls. The fleet itself will offer a fresh new experience for passengers with an in-cab infotainment system capable of playing movies and promos and providing news, maps, deals, and more. The ‘Saathis’, as the chauffeurs are called, are well-trained in the use of the technology and soft skills.
SMS Infrastructure has invested Rs 700 crore in the venture, of which Rs 104 crore has gone into buying the permits, Rs. 500 crore in buying the cars and the rest in setting up a call centre and other facilities. The venture is expected to generate 5,000 direct jobs.