Hyderabad Auto Rickshaw Drivers Never Use Digital Meters, Fleece Commuters

Hyderabad: Autorickshaw drivers in the city are charging rates according to their own whims and fancies, not heeding the 2014 government order making the fares designated by digital meters a mandatory in autos.

As per the order, Rs 20 is the minimum fare for 1.6 km, but the auto drivers charge Rs 30. In the busy areas like hospitals and railways stations, the minimum fare might go up to around Rs 50.

Pointing to the haphazard auto fares several passengers said that the auto drivers charge as per their wish. One passenger was asked to pay Rs. 50 from Secunderabad Railway Station to Parade Grounds Metro station, the distance being a mere half kilometer.

The auto drivers exploit those who need to go hospitals, passengers said. As for traffic police, they are rarely seen intervening on behalf passengers or fining errant auto drivers.

Although the autos have meters installed, the drivers are not willing to use them. Motor vehicle inspectors from the department even keep checking vehicles for permit, fitness violations now and then. As per the rules if any auto is found without meter, then a fine of around Rs 2,000 would be levied and the vehicle in question will be sealed.

The auto unions complaint that, the government has not raised the fares in the past four years and their livelihood is dependent on the fares. They pointed to the steep rise in fuel prices which have gone up by Rs 40. However, the auto drivers facing a tough competition from cab aggregators such as Uber and Ola, among others.

Also Read: Telangana To Build Commute Friendly Roads