Autorickshaw unions want fare structure revised

By Akila Dinakar

CHENNAI, OCT. 14. The hike in the prices of petroleum products has forced several autorickshaw unions here to go on demonstrations or wear black badges. The Government has been criticised for `ignored the people in the trade.'

Autorickshaw unions feel that despite an increase in the price of petrol four times during a short span of time, the current minimum rate of Rs. 7 and Rs. 3.50 for a kilometre has not been changed. They want the Government to consider their long-pending demand of Rs. 10 (minimum) and Rs. 5 for every kilometre.

The Indian Organisation for Developmental Action (INODA) feels that an unscientific fare structure has bred an unhealthy driver culture. This is the reason why some drivers while away their time rather than earning through work.

While auto drivers agree that all meters are 60 per cent tampered, the INODA suggests a fuel escalation rate as an interim measure before the Government comes out with revised fares.

While demanding flat rates, rigging meters, refusal to ply and bad behaviour by autorickshaw drivers have been the order of the day in Chennai, other Metropolitan cities and State capitals offer comparatively better service at lower fares.

Unions in Hyderabad planned to go on a strike for hike in fares, but the plan was deferred after assurance from the Government. The minimum fare there is Rs. 6 for two kilometres and Rs. 3 for every additional kilometre. The Unions wanted fares to be increased to Rs. 8 with Rs. 4 for every extra kilometre.

In Thiruvananthapuram there has been no hike but auto drivers make ad hoc demands on passengers over the minimum fare of Rs. 6.

Bangalore's fares have been hiked from Rs. 7 minimum to Rs. 8.80 and an extra of Rs. 4.40 per kilometer.

In Mumbai, autorickshaw minimum fares have been increased from Rs. 7.50 to Rs. 8 and taxi fares from Rs. 12 to Rs. 13.

In Calcutta, autos do not run on meters, but on feeder routes like buses. The rates per person do not exceed Rs. 6 or 7 as the vehicles ply only for a maximum of five kilometers. Protests during the Durga Pooja festival season saw a fare hike of 50 paise to Re. 1 only.

Though fares in New Delhi have not been hiked, drivers are collecting round off charges from passengers. New Delhi's fare structure is unique with a minimum of Re. 1. The total kilometres is multiplied by 3.5 and Rs. 2 is added to the amount.

Chennai's autorickshaw service is "notorious", if compared with other State capitals in terms of rigging, plying to meter or asking for flat rates. Though the fares here are high, autorickshaw drivers demand more, citing reasons like increased competition among autorickshaws leading to poor business.

Mr. P. Mahalingam of INODA has suggested a different pricing -- a traffic surcharge of Rs. 5 during peak hours and in crowded business districts, for remote destinations, third passenger and luggage, waiting charge and night-time surcharge -- to improve incomes for autorickshaw drivers.

Mr. V. Narayanan, INODA founder-president, said at a press meet today that a public hearing would be organised on October 16 at the Automobile Association of Southern India, 3.30 p.m., where autorickshaw union members and Government officials would participate in a debate, to arrive at a fair pricing for Chennai's autorickshaws.

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Section  : Southern States
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