Auto drivers flout rules as prepaid counter operates for namesake in Mangalore

They not only charge more, but also care a damn for norms

Praveen arrived from Goa in Verna Passenger and boarded an autorickshaw from the prepaid counter at Mangalore Central Railway Station to reach his home near Kankanady.

According to the receipt given at the prepaid counter, he has to pay only Rs 40. However, the auto driver demanded Rs 70. Left with no choice, he had to pay the amount at that time of night.

This is not a stray incident, but one of the many incidents that go unnoticed day in and day out. Though there is a board that reads: ‘If the driver demands more fare, please complain to nearest police station or RTO office,’ in most of the cases, the passengers are helpless as the receipt issued by in the counter does not mention the driver’s name or the vehicle number of autorickshaw.

A case in point is a receipt issued at the City railway station prepaid auto counter on March 19 which does not mention the name of the driver or the vehicle number.

The Mangalore Association of Travel Agents, who are maintaining the prepaid counter are only writing the name of the destination, date and amount in the slip. 

Another trick allegedly being played by the auto drivers is to ask the receipt with the passengers. If the passenger gives the receipt, then he/she will have no choice, but to pay the amount demanded by the driver. Though a police personnel is supposed to stand near the counter, hardly any cop is found near the counter.

Interestingly, the receipt being issued jointly by the district administration, Mangalore City Police and Transport Department, states that charges will be collected as per the meter between 5 am and 10 pm. However, this rule too is being flouted by many drivers.

However, when contacted, Regional Transport Officer C Mallikarjuna and Deputy Commissioner of Police M Muthuraya said that action will be taken in this regard.

Apathy not new

The officials’ apathy towards the travelers is not a new thing at Mangalore Central Railway Station.

Deccan Herald has already reported about the ‘day light robbery’ by auto drivers. Though the RTO has promised to take action, the business is going on.