Auto-drivers take residents for a ride

CHANDIGARH: Caring two hoots for government directive, auto-drivers have almost doubled their fares. Besides, they also charge arbitrary fares, forcing school-goers to opt for bus and rickshaw rather than auto to reach their destinations.



A school student, Aklash Yadav, said, \"We are the worst hit as these drivers do not follow meters. But we are left with no option as we are in a hurry to reach our schools and then coaching classes.\"



\"They charge anything between Rs 10 and Rs 20 per person on sharing basis and Rs 40 if we hire the vehicle from Sector 7 to Sector 45 and Rs 50 from Sector 7 to Panchkula Housing Board,\" he added.



A senior resident, Kalash Kishore, said, \"Green and yellow autos, which run on LPG, should charge Rs 10 for the first km and Rs 4.80 for every subsequent kilometre travelled. But the three-wheeler drivers fleece passengers. I was surprised when I was asked to pay Rs 10 to 20 for crossing a single roundabout. The limited number of pre-paid booths has also added to the woes of passengers.\"



An auto-driver said, \"LPG is priced at Rs 34.80/litre and fixing the fare at Rs 10 for the first kilometer and Rs 4 for every subsequent kilometer is very less. Being residents of an expensive city, we have a lot of expenses to meet.\"



Echoing his views, chairman of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali Joint Committee of Auto-rickshaw Union, Kamal Kant, said, \"During a meeting with the transport department, I had urged that the rate for the first km should be Rs 30 and thereafter Rs 12.50 for every subsequent meter.\"



\"The state transport authority had prescribed the fare in 2001 and did not revise it since. We have shifted from using diesel/petrol that used to cost Rs 13/meter to LPG that costs Rs 34.80/litre,\" he added.



Secretary of State Transport Authority, Vandana Disodia, said, \"We have recently launch a drive, under which we fine the drivers who do not comply with the meter rates. We also formed a committee to examine the auto union\'s demand and they would submit the report shortly.\"


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