Transport officials crack the whip against erring share autos

In a formal communication, the State-run utility has asked the Transport authorities to curb the movement of share auto-rickshaws in the light of a dip in revenue for the Corporation as the share autos are increasing their patronage by plying along bus bays.

“The only stage carrier in the city is the MTC buses, while share autos are given permit under the contract carriage. It is a clear violation of law,” said a senior official.

“This is a long-pending complaint from bus commuters. These vehicles are mainly responsible for creating unnecessary trouble for the public while waiting for buses. The buses jostle for space, resulting in traffic jams on the road besides posing a threat to the life of the people,” said Amrita Venkatesh, a regular commuter.

B Anbazhagan, general secretary of Chennai Metropolitan Motor Workers Union said, “The authorities have already tightened their grip, which hurts our business dearly. They restrict share autos from plying near bus stops or bays. 

The public voluntarily avail our services, depending on us to reach the places that are located between two bus stops. Also, we drop them at their door steps and make their life easier.” He added, “At least 40 share auto drivers were penalised heavily in the last one month. The drivers were slapped with a penalty of up to Rs 4,000.”

MTC Managing Director Anbu Abraham said, “We sought the help of the Transport Department to crackdown the share autos for operating inside the bus bays and further affecting the revenue collection of the Corporation. This practice is going on for a long time. But we are acting now following complaints from the public. The department has promised to take concrete steps to curb it.”

An official attached to the Transport Department said, “We have acted immediately upon their request. The authorities are constantly monitoring the situation and have booked a good number of cases in the past one month alone. It will continue in near future, too.”