Fare metres in autos not fair: Commuters

Nothing seems to have changed, as auto drivers besides having meters, continue to collect exorbitant fares from commuters. Activists and commuters complain that the problem persists because the toll-free complaint number introduced by city traffic police jointly with the transport department does not function effectively. The government had fixed the rates at Rs 25 for 1.8 km. Commuters were informed to register complaints against auto rickshaw drivers who were not complying with the fares set by the government using the toll-free number -18004255430. 

“The toll-free number takes you to an automated voice message where the public can register the details of the auto drivers who charge extra fares. But, no action is taken as the information obtained is insufficient to track down errant auto rickshaw drivers,” said Veeraraghavan, a resident of Kolathur who takes an auto to work every day. 

“If you dial the toll-free number, the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) asks you to disclose your name, area and the auto registration number displayed on the auto. With this minimal information, how can the officials understand the nature of the complaint and how much extra was charged?” asked Veeraraghavan. 

“Although a few autos have metres installed, the drivers refuse to switch them on during the course of the journey. When we insist, the drivers claim that the metre will only display the amount that they state. If we refuse to heed their suggestions, they stare at us and pass some comments before leaving,” said A Devanathan, a techie from Thondaiyarpet, who frequently takes auto rickshaws to work. He added that a considerable number of auto drivers use metres, but demand the passengers to pay extra fare ranging from Rs 10 to 20. 

The drivers try to guilt trip the passengers by claiming that they had to travel on a oneway trip through heavy traffic.   An auto driver from Central railway station said the problem was that auto fares were being compared with cabs. 

“Many of us drive auto rickshaws on the basis of rent and we have to pay a cut to the auto rickshaw’s owner. In such a situation, how can we run the autos for such minimal fares. Further, if there are no trips, we have to return home empty handed,” he justified. When asked if collecting extra fare from the commuters was the right way to make a living, he claimed that there was no other option available to them. 

Aswathy Dilip, advocative manager, Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, says, “One of the main factors for auto drivers to collect extra fare is competition from cab operators. However, since many people are not aware of the cab services, they prefer autos and end up paying the extra fare.” The activist also stressed that the concerned officials should enforce the fares that were set by the government and they should take immediate action after commuters register complaints. 

A senior officer of the state transport department admitted that they received complaints from commuters. He also revealed that the department was facing difficulties in tracking the errant vehicles. “We are in the process of changing the questions in IVR from the toll-free number,” the official said, adding that they received between 100 and 150 complaints per day. When asked about the action take by the department, the official replied that they were doing their best to find a solution to the situation.