By Apurva Bhatt

The nationwide transporter’s strike being called today might have some effect on Mumbaikar today as it seems like shortage of buses, autos and taxis on the roads as a few city unions have supported the nationwide stir against the Central government's proposed Transport Safety Bill.

 While BEST worker's union said they will completely support the strike and the red buses could be off the roads, several autorickshaw and taxi unions in Mumbai have decided not to join the protest. "While the protest is likely in other parts of the state and country, we will ensure that auto services are not affected in the suburbs,'' said a leader of a prominent auto union, requesting anonymity. Mumbai Taximen's Union leader A L Quadros said his union was not supporting the stir. "We will appeal to all cabbies to ply in large numbers on Thursday so that citizens are not inconvenienced at the airports, railway stations and other places,'' he said. Raghu Dixit a resident of Bhandup who travels by BEST bus everyday to work says, “I hope the buses stay on road as the trains will be packed.” 

Sources, however, said there was a possibility of a section of taxis, and also autorickshaws, staying off roads with the fear of being attacked. As for the BEST, it will be plying buses with police bandobast across the city, said general manager Jagdish Patil. He further stated that employees, specially drivers and conductors, have been warned not to join the strike. "They will face strict disciplinary action and we may also deduct their salaries if they go in protest,'' he pointed out. BEST union leader Uday Ambonkar said he had held meetings with several bus staffers in Thane and Mumbai on Wednesday. "We are not calling for a strike, but supporting the All India protest by the transporters union. If drivers don't report for duty, they will be doing it voluntarily. We are strongly opposing the proposed Road Transport and Safety bill, 2014."