Making a quick buck

Auto drivers in the City have found a new way to do brisk business.

They are utilising the space outside some of the colleges in the City to get customers. Colleges like NIFT, BMSCE, Christ University, Jyoti Nivas College and MES College
of Arts, Science, Baldwin Women’s Methodist College and Commerce have a string of autos parked outside their premises throughout the day and sometimes even in the night. While it may prove beneficial in some cases, it might not always be helpful for students.

Bhavik, a student of MES College, says that it is very convenient for most students who don’t have their own vehicles.

“On an average, we waste around 10 to 15 minutes looking for an auto while returning home from college. But with the availability of autos right outside the college, things have become easier. If one of them doesn’t agree, there are five others who are ready to go. This not only saves us time but also spares us the hassle of haggling with the drivers,” he points out.

Residents of HSR Layout note that though the area does not have too many
autos, in front of NIFT, they are present round-the-clock.

 “It becomes difficult to find an auto after 8.30 pm in this area, but we always have the option of walking till NIFT and getting an auto. Most days, they ask for Rs 10 or Rs 20 more than the fare, but it is better than struggling to find an auto when one
has to reach somewhere on time. It is a convenient option for us,” says Shankar, a resident of the area. Auto drivers, on the other hand, note that they get customers because of this.

Imran, an auto driver, informs that he prefers to stay in and around Jyoti Nivas College as he lives nearby and is certain to get customers.

“After I drop the customers to their preferred destination, I come back to the area as the business here is good.

There are people in the area till 10 pm on weekdays and late in the night on weekends. Waiting outside colleges is convenient as people from all over the City study in these colleges and we can choose which route to ply on,” he informs.

However, some students feel that it is a nuisance and the administration should probably create pre-fixed auto counters so that auto drivers cannot extort money from the students.

“Most autos parked outside colleges don’t agree to follow the readings of the meter. They demand at least Rs 20 extra. Sometimes if an auto, which is passing by, wants
to take customers, the other auto drivers don’t let him. The autos parked here only want to go to nearby areas. This makes life difficult for students who stay far away from the college,” says Rohan, a student.