In order to provide better services, Maharashtra transport ministry today launched a toll-free number for registering complaints and registration of vehicles.

"The department has undertaken initiatives like toll-free number, e-payment services where dealers can register there vehicles online," chief minister Ashok Chavan told reporters here.

Chavan said a welfare board will be set for the rickshaw and taxi drivers. "As these drivers have a poor family background, the board will look into matters like insurance and mediclaim for the drivers," he added.

The transport department has launched a toll-free number 1800-220-110 where commuters can register complaints about auto and taxi drivers.

"Commuters will be required to explain their complaint and quote the taxi/auto rickshaw number following which the action will be taken against drivers. For the first time they would be given a warning, second time there license will be revoked temporarily and thereafter permanently," minister for transport Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said.

"As technology has evolved, the department will also adopt the e-payment system like other countries. Instead of queueing up for registering their vehicles at transport offices, dealers can register it online and make the e-payment. Later, car owners can also avail to this facility," Vikhe-Patil said.

The minister informed that under the existing system the vehicle dealers have to approach the transport office for registration and the process takes a couple of days but with the new system it will be easier for them.

Vikhe-Patil also said vehicles will have to install Global Positioning System (GPS). "Tenders will be in place for it by end of August. The system will be placed in both old and new taxis," he said.

"A new fleet of taxis will ply on the city roads. The tenders for new fleet of taxis will be opened soon. Also, we would replace the old black-yellow taxis with new colours," Vikhe-Patil said.

We haven't decided about the new colour for taxis but the yellow colour will remain as it is a symbol of the transport department. We have options like brown-yellow and sky blue-yellow," he said.