Is it safe to use prepaid taxi from Chennai airport? How does it work?

Question

I haven't been to Chennai in 8 years. I've heard horrible stories of auto/taxi drivers robbing passengers from abroad. But that was long time back. I heard that they have prepaid taxis and call taxis at the airport. Are they safe to use? How does it work. Where are the counters located for that in the airport? Are they open 24 hours? Thanks a lot in advance for your replies.

Answer 1

In Chennai airport (also in most of the airports in India) I use only pre-paid taxi. Its the safest way to enter a city without getting cheated.

You need to go to the counter, tell your destination and number of luggage you are carrying. They will take the fare in advance and give you a coupon with a cab no. Go and locate that cab in the stand, tell him your destination. After reaching hand over the coupon to the the driver.

Complete. Enjoy !

Answer 2

Yes they are safe.  They can not cheat or harass. they are available all the time. Counters available at the air ports.

Answer 3

Prepaid taxis are very safe and they cannot take passengers for granted.The prepaid taxi counter is available in the airport terminal itself.

Answer 4

Prepaid taxis are very safe -- I believe they are 24 hours.  My thoughts are that the rates used by the government are still archaic so a little generosity in addition to the fare at the end brightens the driver's face and makes his day.

Answer 5

it is very safe...no problem

Answer 6

Yes the taxis are perfectly safe.... but the autos are still doubtful!!!

as regards taxis: @ the airport there are two (if not more) service providers...one is operated by "The Akbar Travels of India" --these are good indicas or indigos...well maintained & gives you an option of ac/non ac ....is a little more expensive than the other  "govt authorised service provider" ..where the cab is the old-but-trustworthy "Ambassador" only & the cabbie is the typical taxi driver who will go where you tell him to go(provided its in or around the location that you have billed to...)  

Both places issue you a pre-paid bill in duplicate to the location that you want to reach....& on reaching you need to give the same to the driver of the car...

to give an idea of the fare / difference:

Airport to Annanagar(17km) - non a/c

The govt authorised service provider: Rs 275/-

Akbar Travels                                       : Rs 375/-

Answer 7

For further information log on to http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/

www.tidco.com

Answer 8

Prepaid taxi counter is located in the arrival lounge of the airport.

It is safe and the system works well.

Give your destination at the counter, pay the fare.

Take the receipt and hand it over to the driver only after you have reached.