The present minimum auto fare is Rs. 20 for 1.8 kms; after which Rs. 11 is charged for each extra kilometer. The waiting charges are Rs. 5 per 15 minutes. This fare came into force from 14-2-2014. While the auto rickshaw drivers heaved a sigh of relief, these auto fares are set to burn a hole in passengers pocket. Auto drivers have attitude. Firstly they do not use meters. Haggling with auto drivers is an art, as they demand ridiculously high fares. They charge lumpsum fare which is usually 30 to 50 pc more than the actual fare.
Auto drivers sometimes misbehave with the passengers. Sudden closure of petrol bunks is also a real ordeal for passengers. Petrol is sold in black at the rate of Rs. 150 to 200 per litre. On the other hand autos are charging double fare. Sick people and pregnant women are finding it hard to get an auto to go to the hospital. Besides this auto drivers are pulling the wool over the commuter’s eyes by tampering with the meters. Commuters are being lulled into a false sense of security at the sight of a working meter, but in actuality getting overcharged by as much as 40 per cent.
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