Passengers complain of overcharging even as auto drivers lament over lack of trips

Chennai

Autorickshaws were allowed to carry two passengers, while cabs could ferry three people simultaneously. Ever since the lockdown was imposed on March 25, all public transport, including autorickshaws and cabs, were suspended. The government has allowed operation of the autorickshaws and cabs from Monday, while bus, train and metro service remain suspended.

“I used to pay Rs 130 for an autorickshaw ride from Villivakkam to Vadapalani before lockdown. Today,autorickshaw drivers at the stand demanded as much as Rs 250 for the same distance. Finally, a driver agreed to drop me for Rs 190,” said Fathima, an employee of a private company.

R Govindan, a 45-year-old government employee, said that he used to take MTC bus daily. “Considering the spread of the COVID-19, I decided to take an autorickshaw to reach my office at Chepauk from Vepery. But autorickshaw drivers are fleecing passengers by seeking double the regular fare. One driver asked Rs 150 for a 3.5 km-long ride,” he complained.

Several autorickshaw drivers complained that they did not get a ride at all or only one ride for the day. “I came to the stand at 8.30 am on Monday hoping to earn some money after a long time but I got only one ride in the evening to Purasaiwalkam. I did not get any passenger for my return journey,” K Santhosh, an autorickshaw driver from Kolathur, said. He said that he used to earn Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 per day before the lockdown. “Today I earned only Rs 200,” he lamented and said that with less number of passengers, they cannot survive if they could not charge the passenger for the return journey as well.

A senior transport department official said that cases would be booked against the drivers who fleece passengers. “Passengers can complain against the drivers by calling 1800-425-5430,” the official said.