[TusharK]

The state government of Tamil Nadu now allows all types of private cars to be converted into taxis or commercial vehicles. Until recently, this transfer option was only available for select car models.



Car owners who wish to use their vehicles as taxis can obtain a taxi permit from the RTO by paying a small fee. Depending on the number of seats, the fee varies from Rs 625 to Rs 1,150.

Once the RTO approves the application, owners can change the number plate to yellow. The permit will be valid for 5 years but these vehicles will be subjected to annual fitness tests.

According to a media report, the move is aimed at addressing the taxi shortage. It would also help keep taxi fares in check by promoting competition with cab aggregators like Ola and Uber.

Source: ET Auto

Link to Team-BHP News

[m8002?]

I think this is a good move. Gives an option for the cab owners to upgrade to a reasonably less run, well maintained private car at a low cost. This should get rid of the run down Indica still in use

[Shreyans_Jain]

A very sensible decision. Breaks the monopoly certain cars have in the taxi market in their respective segments. Also gives private car buyers a genuine option to earn revenue from their car if they are up for it, without breaking the law.

[Small Bot]

So does this mean I can lease my car to a fleet company without changing the license plate but just converting to taxi? Or does this mean that I can use it as a taxi myself?

[Samurai]

Originally Posted by Small Bot

Or does this mean that I can use it as a taxi myself?

Won't you require to have commercial DL for running it yourself?

[Mohan Mathew A]

Originally Posted by Samurai

Won't you require to have commercial DL for running it yourself?

That rule was done away with a few years back. Now you don't need a commercial driving license for driving a taxi

[antonylejos]

Originally Posted by Small Bot

So does this mean I can lease my car to a fleet company without changing the license plate but just converting to taxi? Or does this mean that I can use it as a taxi myself?

No, it simply means that you can convert your Wagon R or Honda City to a yellow board. Previously, the government had a limited list of cars, and only those vehicles were allowed to be registered with a yellow board. I believe the specific list varied for each Regional Transport Office (RTO), may be Chennai had a larger list (not sure though), but most other TN RTO's had only a couple of models.

[am1m]

Wow, how did TN do this without any large-scale protests from taxi and auto unions? I'm pretty sure if KA or MH try this, they will be forced to withdraw the decision because of the unions.

But great move! Time to break the hold some parties have over the transport sector- the population of vehicles can certainly be better utilized to provide last-mile connectivity and even inter-city. What's holding back good public transport infra like the Metro and promoting single-person private vehicle usage is the auto unions and taxi mafia. Though I'm not really sure how many people will go for this scheme, I guess some percentage of private car owners will.

[antonylejos]

Originally Posted by am1m

Wow, how did TN do this without any large-scale protests from taxi and auto unions? I'm pretty sure if KA or MH try this, they will be forced to withdraw the decision because of the unions.

Do not misunderstand this; it's not as if you can use your whiteboard car as a taxi.

This is beneficial for taxi and auto unions. Previously, when buying a new car, their options were limited. Now they can choose the car they prefer.

In Kerala, it has always been like this. You can see KWID, Alto, Wagon R, even Punto, Linea, Estilo, and many rare cars – I got them as taxis on Uber/Ola. (Not just Dzire/Indica/Etios.)

Taxi unions were actually frustrated because of the previous government limitation on listed taxi cars.

[Burgman_tales]

Anyone knows whether there was any rationale at all for such a rule to exist ?

[am1m]

Originally Posted by antonylejos

Do not misunderstand this; it's not as if you can use your whiteboard car as a taxi.

Ah ok, that makes sense, thanks for clarifying!

[Toni]

Very sensible move by TN government. It will help cab drivers to get rid of their old vehicles and get a less run private car at reasonable price.

Also, owners with spare cars can leash or run their cars with Ola, Uber, etc.

I hope other states will follow.

[i74js]

Okay, but can one do the other way round too?

Say you need an extra earning, transfer your registration to Taxi. After few years, you want to come back to a private number plate, what will happen?

[TorqueKnight]

Originally Posted by i74js

After few years, you want to come back to a private number plate, what will happen?

‘T’’ board to private vehicle conversion is still possible but most people won’t buy that vehicle. Many years before my manager got one 5 star hotel owned vehicle which was earlier used for Airport pickup and drop service. Thanks,
TK

[svsantosh]

Surprising decision from TN which will actually result in the following.

1) Dumping of rotten and abused taxis (existing ones)
2) Spike in used car resale market, 4-6 year old cars, less than 1.5Lac Kms single owner cars will become in demand now.
3) Resulting in new car sales
4) Thus overall, small but still, economy generator.
5) Indirectly employment for new drivers may increase.

Hope safe driving practice is enforced since TN is still a leader in fatal road accidents.

I really wonder who is the brain behind this idea. TN is supposedly one of the most corrupt RTOs and its roads are a cash cow w.r.t to both internal traffic trade and cross border trade between KL, KA & AP/TS. If someone educated enough sold his idea of economy booster (like the cash for clunkers in Obama time) to the seniors in the Government, My total respect to that person whoever pulled it off.