JOIN USPrepaid autos are the need of the hour
The Bangalore Traffic Police has finally decided to heed to the suggestions of the citizens. It has started checking the pre-fixed auto counters in the City to see how useful they are and if they are catering to the needs of the commuters. B Dayananda, the additional commissioner of police (traffic), informs that they have started the drive from the counter near Garuda Mall and will soon cover other areas of the City.
“We will soon be able to cover many areas and check if these counters are needed there and if people are availing the service. Once we have done a detailed survey, we will decide what our next step should be,” he informs.
Ask him if they plan to open more prepaid counters and he says, “We don’t know about that yet. However, we will look at the situation and take a decision.” Citizens point out that all areas need to have a pre-fixed auto stand with some requiring them immediately. Sithara, a professional, says Commercial Street needs to have a counter as soon as possible as auto drivers demand exorbitant rates.
“Ever since the prepaid counter in that area became ‘non-functional’, auto drivers have started charging almost double the price. It becomes extremely difficult for us to take an auto in the evenings. A new counter should be set up at Commercial Street as it is one of the busiest shopping hubs in the City,” she says.
Some point out that despite a pre-booked counter, many autos charge extra and don’t stop even when told by the traffic police to do so.
“Many autos ignore the traffic police standing in front of a pre-fixed counter. Instead, they look for commuters down the road and demand extra fare from them. I have seen the police warning them sometimes but most of the time, they get away with it. The police should check the number and frequency of autos stopping at a particular pre-booked counter,” says Abbe, a student.
Citizens also point out that South Bangalore hardly has any pre-fixed auto counters and that authorities should start thinking of opening more such counters for the convenience of commuters.
“Indiranagar has become quite a busy area especially because of the Metro station. It is also surrounded by IT parks, pubs, restaurants and shops. Hence, opening a pre-booked auto counter there is a good idea. I also feel that pre-fixed counters should be opened near some colleges in Kengeri and Electronic City so that students don’t have to pay an exorbitant rate for an auto ride,” says Sunil, a commuter.