Not fare! Automen won’t reset meters
Commuting in Bengaluru’s autos may well never become hassle-free owing to the tantrums of auto unions. At a recent meeting with the Bengaluru Urban deputy commissioner, Auto Rikshaw Drivers’ Union (ARDU) refused to recalibrate the fare meters as per the revised auto fares. This could well lead to friction between commuters and auto drivers as the fare chart used by many auto drivers is not authentic.
There are over 80,000 autos in Bengaluru city and it is estimated that only about 10,000 autos have got their meters recalibrated. After the revised fares were announced, all auto drivers were directed to get their fare meters recalibrated within three months from the date the revised fares were announced. But one of the biggest auto unions, ARDU, is now resisting recalibration of meters as the exercise may cost `200 per autorickshaw.
“Recalibration of meters is to be done to facilitate easy commuting on autos. The fare charts are confusing, especially during night hours. It is difficult to identify on the chart the fare listed against the number of kilometers traveled in an auto. We cannot go ahead with the chart system in the long run.
“But, if sources in the transport department are to be believed, the order to recalibrate auto meters in three months may be cancelled and auto drivers may be allowed to use the fare chart. This is going to create a lot of confusion as many of the auto drivers have already got their meters recalibrated. The transport department officials cannot withdraw a decision as per the whims of auto union,” said Mr R. Somashekar, president of Bangalore Auto Drivers’ Union. The auto fares were revised in the first week of March 2012. Recalibration of auto meters immediately would have ended confusion over fare revision. “A section of the auto drivers think that post-LPG price hike, the auto fares could be revised once again which is why they are avoiding a meter recalibration. However, we have taken up the issue and will ensure that commuters don’t face a tough time,” said a senior transport department official.
Post new comment