Taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers went on strike today to protest a government plan to phase out taxis over 25 years old. While I think it is ridiculous that they are striking over the removal of cars that should be in museums, I must say the strike is the best thing that has ever happened to Bombay. With the 55,000 taxis and 150,000 rickshaws off the road, my morning commute was almost a half hour faster than normal. The streets in downtown are walkable, there is less honking and spitting, specialities of the taxi drivers, and I am fairly convinced that no tourists will be ripped off by taxi drivers today. Hallelujah! While I may feel differently after I hoof it the 2km each way to my party tonight, right now I am in a state of taxi-free Nirvana.ADDENDUM: In another defeat for organized labor and another victory for Martin, I was able to find a taxi who was willing to cross the picket line and take me to my party for a slight "premium". He charged me 5x the normal fare, but it still amounted to only 150 rupees ($3USD) so I still win. The taxis resumed service at midnight and the roads are again crowded and chaotic; a short-lived victory I guess, but a victory nonetheless.
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