Auto-rickshaws lined up for commuters.
Credit: DH Photo/B H Shivakumar
Bengaluru: Metro Mitra, the Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union’s (ARDU) initiative to improve last-mile connectivity in Bengaluru, has met with another hurdle.
Drivers who charge excess fares, some of them unruly, are blocking drivers who go by the meter.
“If we want to fix the public transport system in the city, we all need to come together. One of the major problems citizens face is the menace of auto drivers charging exorbitant prices even for the shortest rides,” says D Rudramurthy, general secretary of ARDU.
In letters addressed to the police, weights and measures department, metro and RTO officials, the ARDU has called for support to enhance last-mile connectivity.
Suggestions in the letter include: meter-only auto stands, action against autos operating without proper meters, and traffic police deployment to help commuters outside metro stations. They have also contacted Personal2Public, an outreach programme by citizens, seeking help to set up auto stands at four metro stations — Jayanagar, R V Road, Vijayanagar, and Hosahalli.
“The new stations on the purple line have designated spaces for autos, but they are missing from most metro stations in the city. But regardless, at almost every metro station you find groups of auto drivers who refuse to go by the meter. Neither do they adhere to the rules, nor do they let the others,” says Rudramurthy.
How is Metro Mitra faring?
ARDU has partnered with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) to launch Metro Mitra, an initiative to help those taking autos to and from metro stations.
The project offers short-distance rides within a 5 km radius and charges an additional Rs 10 over the meter. The platform operates on a QR code system, with no need for consumers to download a smartphone application.
All citizens need to do is use the phone to scan the QR code available at metro stations and book a ride.
Since starting operations last month, Metro Mitra has enrolled 106 drivers. However, the initiative is mostly operational near the Jayanagar metro station.
“We’re taking it slow because both drivers and commuters are having a hard time grasping the concept of Metro Mitra. But we’re doing our best to spread awareness,” says Pattabhi Rama R L, organising secretary, ARDU.
One of the main hurdles has been getting auto drivers on board, he says. “After being left to their own devices for years, suddenly if you ask them to go by meter, it isn’t going to be easy. Many of them have become used to charging high prices. Sometimes they get into fights with drivers following the rules,” he elaborates.
Drivers’ POV
Karthik, an auto driver from Rajarajeshwari Nagar, believes it is unfair to ask auto drivers to stick to the meter. “That system is outdated. If we go by the meter, we won’t be able to afford three meals per day. Plus what is the harm? People are ready to pay higher prices on all these apps anyway, so why not pay us directly?” he asks.
Many auto drivers Metrolife spoke to want the freedom to collect fares as they deem right. “Now with all these free buses and bike taxis, we don’t get many customers anyway. We have to try and make profit with whoever we get,” says Nayeem, who has been a driver for 12 years.
Cop says
M N Anucheth, joint commissioner of police (traffic), said there was no need for metered auto stands as all autos should go by the meter.
“People need to refuse to take an auto if it is not on a meter charge. If the drivers don’t comply, they can always complain to us,” he says.
“We get 20-30 complaints every day and we take action. Drivers have to pay a fine of Rs 500 (for demanding excess fare). But, for us to penalise drivers, citizens should lodge a complaint,” he adds.
Call the cops
To complain against drivers demanding exorbitant fares, citizens can call 080 2286 8444 or 112.