Scrutiny: Yellow cab delivery could take until August

Government had allocated Rs4.5 billion for the provision of 20,000 yellow cabs – 12,000 cars and 8,000 vans.

The government had allocated Rs4.5 billion for the provision of 20,000 yellow cabs – 12,000 cars and 8,000 vans – by June 30, 2012. Till now, only 9,000 vehicles have been delivered.

A Transport Department official said that it would not be possible to deliver the remaining cabs in time so the government is thinking of formally extending the schedule.

The government has so far held four draws to pick winners. More than 50,000 people applied for the first draw in September 2011. Of these, 20,000 were found to be ineligible because they had provided fake driving licences, domiciles and age certificates. Some were bank loan defaulters.

The government had slowed down delivery of vehicles after finding out that many applicants had lied in their applications.

The second and third draws were held in March. From among the applicants, 15,000 were declared eligible after background checks. Of these, 9,000 have received the cabs.

The fourth balloting was held on April 18. The particulars of the 5,000 shortlisted candidates are being verified currently.

The transport official said that a fifth draw might be held.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2012.