With fewer and fewer black and yellow taxis plying on Mumbai roads, the state transport department yesterday took a step to prevent the numbers from sliding any further. Cabbies who fail to renew their taxi permits on time will no longer be charged the earlier fine of Rs 5,000 per month as the transport authorities have now slashed this amount by 98% — to a minimum of Rs 200.

The steep fine that was charged earlier was one of the major reasons that led to the decrease in taxis in the city, said sources. “Many had stopped taking their taxis out on the road,’ said an RTO official.